The event kicked off with a painting exhibition focusing on the old town of Macao. Also, concerts, Portuguese dance performances, musicals and food fairs will be held.

The event aims to introduce the unique culture and new attractions of Macao to the people of Taiwan to attract more Taiwan tourists, said Cheong U, secretary for social affairs and culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region government, in an interview with Xinhua.

"We will also will meet Taiwan officials and experts in the culture, health and tourism sectors to exchange ideas," said Cheong, leading a delegation of more than 100 people to Taiwan, the largest ever sent by Macao.

"Macao used to play a role as a bridge between the mainland and Taiwan when relations between the two sides were not like today. Now, cross-Strait relations have greatly improved, Macao should find new fields to work with Taiwan, such as tourism, business, culture, education and the health sectors," he said.

In the past few years increasing number of Taiwan business people have invested in Macao as the region's economy has developed quickly and created new business opportunities, he said.

"At this event, we hope to make more friends to lay the foundation for future cooperation."

In June 2008, Taiwan agreed to allow mainland tourists to travel in package tours to the island. The total number of mainland tourists to Taiwan is expected to top 1.5 million this year.

When asked about whether Macao was worried about possible competition from Taiwan in attracting mainland tourists, Cheong said Macao, Hong Kong and Taiwan would be more attractive to not only mainland tourists but also to international travelers if these three destinations can work together, such as in promoting package tours linking the three regions.

"We have package tours linking Hong Kong, Macao and Guangdong in the mainland. The three regions have worked quite well," he said. "We are thinking about similar cooperation with Taiwan."

In addition, as about 3,900 Macao youths are studying in Taiwan schools and colleges, the delegation will meet with students to discuss their lives and education here, Cheong said.