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South China Morning Post
13-07-2025
- South China Morning Post
2025 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest opens in Macau
Step through the arched entrance of Macau's Red Market and you're greeted by a heady fusion of aromas. Bright, citrusy accents dance with rich, earthy pungencies; warm, sweet notes mingle with fermented bouquets. Your senses are beguiled by shapes and textures, colours and cultures: baskets brim with knobbly roots, wrinkled dried pods, twisted bundles of bark and mysterious sachets. The air hums with scents that carry stories of far-off places and time-honoured flavours. Advertisement Macau's deeply rooted relationship with herbs and spices was born primarily of the sea. For over 450 years, its cuisine has been shaped by the vagaries of global maritime trade – a legacy of Portuguese exploration that linked Asia, Africa and Europe through a parallel exploration of flavour. Officials from the Macao Government Tourism Office at the 2024 edition of the International Cities of Gastronomy Fest. Photo: Handout That journey comes full circle at the 2025 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest Macao , which takes spices and herbs as its theme. Aromas that once travelled oceans now bubble up from local kitchens, telling stories through bay leaf-laced stews, saffron-kissed rice and coconut milk curries that blur borders. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), notes that Macanese cuisine – which in 2021 was added to Unesco's National List of Representative Elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage for China – blends spices and herbs from both East and West. 'This year's theme celebrates Macau's rich history as a vibrant trading hub, bridging the cultures of East and West,' she says. 'As an important hub along the Maritime Silk Road , the city became a melting pot of flavours, traditions and influences, shaping Macanese cuisine's unique flavours. By focusing on these ingredients, we [wish to] highlight the evolution of Macau's gastronomic heritage and its harmonious, inclusive identity, aligning with Unesco's values of cultural diversity. The idea also echoes Macau's designation as one of the 2025 Cultural Cities of East Asia, and the Macao SAR Government's theme, 'East-West Encounter, Asia in Harmony'. An international showcase
South China Morning Post
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
2025 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest Macao
[The content of this article has been produced by our advertising partner.] The '2025 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao', organized by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), will be staged at Roman Amphitheatre Square and Legend Boulevard of Macau Fisherman's Wharf from 11 to 20 July. Themed as 'Spices and herbs', the Fest will bring together 34 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy from 21 countries across six continents for a vibrant offering of global cuisines, culinary showcase and gastronomy forum as three major highlights. The ten-day event will manifest a splendid feast of international gastronomic cultures, weaving together tourism, gastronomy and culture in pursuit of preservation and innovation. It will showcase Macao's unique fascinations as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy to the world as an impactful platform. Gather Creative Cities of Gastronomy from 21 countries on six continents MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes highlighted the Fest's remarkable lineup of participating countries and cities this year, which unleashes Macao's strengths as an international exchange platform. To date, 34 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy from 21 countries across six continents, seven Creative Cities of other fields and two candidate cities from the Mainland, along with two Culture Cities of East Asia 2025 are committed to joining different event highlights. Gastronomy Fest presents three major highlights
Travel Daily News
04-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
ECTAA and Macao strengthen tourism ties between Europe and Asia
ECTAA's 2025 Summit in Macao strengthens Europe-Asia tourism ties, fostering partnerships, promoting Macao, and addressing evolving traveler expectations. MACAO – ECTAA, the European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Association, is holding this week its 2025 Summit, from 2nd to 5th of June in Macao, as part of its partnership of Preferred Destination for 2025 with the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO). This strategic collaboration aims to intensify tourist flows between Europe and Asia, positioning Macao as a destination of choice for European travellers. The meeting is taking place at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort and brought together leaders of European travel agencies, representatives of national associations from across Europe, as well as institutional partners and local authorities. The presence of Mrs Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the MGTO, and Mr Tai Kin Ip, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR, demonstrate the territory's strong commitment to diversifying its international customer base and strengthening cooperation with European markets. One of the highlights of the meeting will be a round table discussion on tourism opportunities between Europe and Asia, focusing on new market dynamics. The speakers – Frank Gulin, Tiago Brito, Nigel Wong and Mary Huang, from European national tourism organisations, Asian professional associations and the private sector – will share their vision of the changes underway: the rise of independent travel, the search for authentic cultural experiences, growing demands for sustainability, and the need for European destinations to adapt their communication to the new expectations of Asian travellers. The discussions should show a convergence of interests: on the one hand, European destinations keen to win back the Chinese market; on the other, Asian destinations seeking to diversify their customer base and raise their profile in Europe. 'Cooperation between Europe and Asia in the travel sector is obvious, but it requires a new approach based on better mutual understanding, tailored products and concrete collaboration between professionals,' said Frank Oostdam, President of ECTAA in a press conference. 'The partnership with Macao illustrates this desire to go beyond intentions and create real connections between markets.' Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, remarked at the same occasion that 'it is a great opportunity for Macao to welcome this significant group of the European tourism industry, especially now that a new wave of tourism development is emerging, highlighting that travel agencies are key partners that MGTO wants to work with to continue to increase visitor flows from Europe.' I The meeting is also providing an opportunity for a B2B session between 30 European delegates and more than 50 local companies, facilitating the emergence of new business partnerships. Although Europe is not yet one of Macao's main source markets, this partnership aims to reverse this trend. With a high-end hotel offering (150 establishments, 24 Forbes 5-star hotels by 2025), a rich cultural heritage, an internationally recognised gastronomic scene (UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy), and a solid tourism infrastructure, Macao has all the assets to attract a demanding European clientele.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Agoda and Macao Government Tourism Office Join Forces to Showcase Macao's Unique Charms
SINGAPORE, March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda has partnered with Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) to showcase the Special Administrative Region as a must-visit destination for international travelers. Macao, celebrated as a 'Culture City of East Asia 2025,' is well placed to attract global travelers with its luxury accommodation, distinctive cultural experiences and world-class entertainment. Running from March till November 2025, the partnership aims to increase Macao's global visibility with international travelers through discounts on hotel accommodations alongside influential multimedia promotions on the Agoda platform. The campaign will underscore Macao's rich cultural heritage while showcasing its position as an attractive and modern destination for top events, entertainment, and cuisine. "Macao is a great blend of historic charm and modern flair, and we are delighted to play a role in bringing its charms to an international audience of travelers," said Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer at Agoda. "We are delighted to be partnering with MGTO on this campaign where our digital platform and global network will highlight the diverse destinations and rich culture of Macao." Named a 'Culture City of East Asia 2025,' the designation highlights Macao's unique role in fostering a cultural exchange across East Asia through festivals, exhibitions, and artistic endeavors, complemented by its reputation for offering luxury hospitality and world class entertainment. This year, Macao emerged once again as the global capital for five-star hotels in the Forbes Travel Guide while many of its restaurants come in for special mention in the MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macao 2025, including 19 MICHELIN-Starred restaurants. "With its unique cultural legacy and global appeal, Macao has so much to offer. MGTO is delighted to work with Agoda to offer unforgettable travel experiences to a wide range of global travelers. With our well-earned reputation for amazing food, wonderful accommodation and unforgettable cultural experiences, they will not be disappointed." added Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director - Macao Government Tourism Office This new collaboration will also focus attention on Macao's signature events, including the Macao International Fireworks Display Contest, the Macao Grand Prix, the 15th National Games (Macao), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (Macao), and the return of its famed aquatic show, the House of Dancing Water. The partnership between MGTO and Agoda highlights a shared goal to create memorable travel experiences and Agoda's global network of accommodations, flights, and activities connects travelers with Macao's vibrant offerings. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Agoda
Zawya
09-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Macao Government promotes ‘Unmatched Travel Experiences' to UAE travel trade
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) successfully concluded its roadshow in Dubai, UAE, on February 27th, 2025, at the Address Dubai Mall hotel. The event attracted a large number of travel trade professionals, business leaders, and industry stakeholders, providing a platform to promote Macao as the ideal destination for both leisure and business travel from the UAE and the broader region, while strengthening business ties between the travel and tourism industries of Macao and the UAE The roadshow, which included pre-scheduled meetings and networking opportunities, highlighted Macao's unique and unparalleled offerings in family travel, culture, luxury, and adventure. Attendees had the chance to engage directly with representatives from MGTO and other co-partners, gaining valuable insights into Macao's diverse travel and tourism experiences " We are thrilled with the success of our roadshow in Dubai," said Mr. Cheng Wai Tong, Deputy Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office. " This event provided an excellent opportunity to showcase Macao's unique attractions, exceptional offerings, and unparalleled experiences to key players in the UAE's travel industry. It underscores our commitment to strengthening ties with the UAE market and the broader region. With eight direct flights from Dubai to cities across China that connect to Macao, we are eager to position Macao as the leading destination for both leisure and business travel, through new initiatives and partnerships not only in the UAE but also across the Gulf Cooperation Council." The event also featured a cultural performance which offered attendees a glimpse into Macao's rich heritage and history. The event highlighted Macao's growing appeal to travelers from the UAE and the broader region, showcasing special promotions such as halal-friendly dining options, MICE travel, healthcare services, and 5-star accommodations tailored to the needs of all travelers, including those from the Middle East. Additionally, a newly launched Arabic-English travel guide, developed in collaboration with Halaltrip, was introduced to help Middle East travelers plan their perfect trip to Macao. The roadshow provided an invaluable opportunity for Macao to foster stronger connections with key UAE trade partners, creating new opportunities for collaboration in the tourism and business sectors. The event allowed for meaningful networking among travel professionals, local stakeholders, and Macao representatives, fostering the creation of new business partnerships and collaborations aimed at boosting tourism from UAE to Macao. During the event, MGTO showcased the city's incredible diversity in tourism, including its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, world-class shopping including cultural shopping regions, luxury accommodations, exceptional services, and the distinct identity that makes Macao a truly unique destination for travelers from UAE. Attendees, including local and regional press, learned more about Macao's award-winning hotels, including 24 five-star hotels recognized by the prestigious Forbes 2025 Star Awards, solidifying Macao's position as a global leader in hospitality. MGTO also introduced its 'Travel Stimulation Programs' to encourage niche travel, including incentive trips, weddings, student groups, and sports tourism. These tailored programs are aimed at attracting diverse travelers in UAE, offering new opportunities for travel agents and businesses to expand Macao's reach to a broader audience. Macao continues to strengthen its position as a key global tourism and leisure hub, offering an array of experiences that appeal to diverse traveler profiles. From its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Centre to its status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Macao continues to attract Middle East travelers seeking both culture and luxury. With exciting events planned for 2025, including the Macao International Arts Festival, Macao International Fireworks Display Contest, and Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale, Macao is set to attract even more visitors from the UAE and the wider GCC region in the coming months. For more information on upcoming events, travel offers, and unique experiences in Macao, please visit: or follow us on social media: Facebook: @Visit Macao, Instagram: @Visit Macao, TikTok: @Experience Macao, YouTube: @Macao Government Tourism Office, WeChat: @MGTOweixin. -Ends- #Hashtag #MacaoTourism, #MGTO, #MacaoInDubai, #VisitMacao #UAETravel,#FamilyTravel, #BusinessTourism #ExploreMacao, #HalalTravel, #LuxuryTravel, #MacaoRoadshow, #MacaoEvents2025, #TravelWithMGTO #MacaoGastronomy #TravelIncentives #MacaoCulture #MacaoAdventures #Travel #UAE #MiddleEastTravel #AVIAREPS. About the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO): The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is responsible for promoting and developing Macao as a global tourism and leisure destination in line with the Macao SAR Government's strategy. MGTO works with local trade partners to enhance Macao's reputation and attract diverse visitors by promoting tourism products, services, and mega events across both established and emerging markets. It also plays a key role in improving tourism offerings, ensuring industry quality standards, licensing, and facilitating training opportunities. Additionally, MGTO manages the region's travel alert system and formulates emergency plans to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors. For more information, please contact: Mazen Al-Ibrahim Director of Public Relations AVIAREPS Middle East Dubai Media City, Dubai, UAE e: malibrahim@
