China's Macao Special Administrative Region predicts a 20-million tourist stream this year, local media reported on Wednesday.

The Macao Post quoted Joao Antunes, director of Macao Government Tourist Office, as saying that the number of tourist arrivals is hopefully to range from 19 million to 20 million.

The official told the newspaper that tightening of restriction by China's central government on gaming involvement of governmental employees will not cause huge damage to Macao's tourism.

Gaming is not the only selling point of Macao's tourism, Antunes said, adding that historic and scenery spots here are also attractive to visitors.

He said that in the first quarter the region recorded 4.45 million visitor arrivals, a strong indicator for a powerful tourism booming this year.

Concerned authorities in Macao have been in a hard bid to promote tourism and to make policy adjustment to hug in more tourists, said the official.

Famed for its gaming industry and a mixture of western and eastern cultures, Macao has long been a charming destination for world travelers.

(Xinhua News Agency May 18, 2005)