MACAU Government Tourist Office (MGTO) deputy director, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, will succeed Joao Manuel Costa Antunes as director of MGTO on December 20.
Antunes stepped into the role in April 1988. Under his leadership, Macau tourism gradually took off and continues to boom (TTG Asia e-Daily, January 19, 2012).
In an interview with Teledifusão de Macau, Macau government Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Cheong U, explained that the arrangement was a a normal change in personnel.
Antunes told TTG Asia e-Daily: “(Following the succession), I will continue my public career as the full-time coordinator for the Macau Grand Prix Committee, and focus on preparations for the 60th anniversary of the Macau Grand Prix.
“I am proud to say that the past 25 years in MGTO have been the best period of my life. This experience gives me great pride and satisfaction to move on in my public and private life. I know that I couldn’t have achieved this without the efforts and support of my colleagues and industry partners.”
Clemson Lo, general manager, C&E Conference and Exhibition Management, said: “Helena is a very capable lady, and I am happy that she rather then someone else is replacing (Antunes). I am not worried. In fact, I think Helena has clear direction.”
