Saturday, December 7, 2024
On December 5, 2024, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) hosted the annual “Macao Creative City of Gastronomy” work meeting, bringing together government officials, business leaders, and educational representatives to discuss the city’s ongoing initiatives within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The meeting underscored Macao’s continuing efforts to position itself as a global leader in gastronomy and cultural innovation.
Fostering Global Partnerships for Sustainable Growth
The meeting, chaired by MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, showcased the city’s successes and future plans within the UCCN framework. She highlighted the success of the “International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao,” a milestone event that attracted delegates from numerous UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy worldwide. The festival served as a platform for global discussions on sustainable tourism, local culinary heritage, and the role of gastronomy in cultural development.
Senna Fernandes urged businesses to take full advantage of the opportunities within the UCCN to foster broader cooperation and contribute to Macao’s long-term sustainable growth. With Macao’s upcoming designation as the 2025 Culture City of East Asia and the inclusion of architecture as a new creative field in UCCN next year, the city is poised to expand its creative and cultural offerings even further.
Global Engagement and Expansion of UCCN Initiatives
MGTO also shared its active involvement in UCCN activities throughout the year, including participation in key international conferences. These included the 20th anniversary of the UCCN in Portugal and the inaugural UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Annual Conference in Thailand. In addition, MGTO invited artists from eight Creative Cities of Design to collaborate in the “Light up Macao 2024” event, which debuted in December. The event was designed to strengthen inter-city partnerships and promote creative collaboration across diverse sectors of tourism, design, and gastronomy.
Promoting Gastronomic Excellence and Heritage
Continuing its commitment to gastronomy, MGTO introduced the “Taste of Macao” Food Promotion Financial Support Program in 2024. This initiative is designed to attract world-class restaurants and large-scale gastronomic events to Macao, reinforcing the city’s global culinary reputation. The program aims to promote Macao’s unique culinary culture while boosting its standing as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
To further support local talent and preserve gastronomic traditions, MGTO has also launched specialized training programs for chefs and culinary professionals. These efforts ensure that Macao’s gastronomic heritage remains vibrant and continues to evolve within a global context.
Strengthening Local and International Collaboration
At the meeting, representatives from local academic institutions, including the Macau University of Science and Technology and the Macao University of Tourism, joined industry leaders from associations and integrated resorts. The discussions focused on key areas such as education, gastronomic skill preservation, event management, infrastructure development, and industry-wide collaborations. These collective efforts reinforce Macao’s status as a hub for culinary innovation, where public and private sectors work together to shape the future of gastronomic tourism.
Looking Ahead: A Creative Vision for Macao’s Future
Looking to the future, MGTO plans to continue its deep engagement with UCCN, aiming to integrate tourism, culture, and creative sectors to maximize the city’s growth potential. Macao’s rich cultural heritage and strategic position as an international metropolis provide a solid foundation for further expanding its influence within global gastronomy and beyond.
Representatives from several key government bodies, including the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Economic and Technological Development Bureau, and the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau, alongside industry leaders, participated in the meeting. Their ongoing collaboration is essential to ensure Macao remains at the forefront of global gastronomic culture, contributing to a sustainable and innovative tourism landscape.
Since Macao’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017, the SAR government has implemented several key strategies to nurture the city’s unique culinary scene. The annual “Macao Creative City of Gastronomy” work meeting continues to serve as an important platform for collaboration, ensuring Macao’s role as a leading gastronomic destination on the world stage.
