Macao Launches Innovative Sports Tourism Experience Combining Running Routes, Cultural Discovery and Community Exploration Across the City in 2026

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The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is introducing a new way for travellers to experience the city with the launch of “MACAO, GET, SET, GLOW 2026,” a tourism campaign that combines running, cultural discovery and neighbourhood exploration.

Created in partnership with Hong Kong travel platform Flyday HK, the campaign invites visitors to move beyond traditional sightseeing and explore Macao through active travel experiences. Built around the theme “Run Beyond the Landmarks. Discover Another Side of Macao,” the initiative highlights the city’s hidden streets, local communities, culinary traditions and scenic areas through a series of specially designed running routes.

The campaign reflects a growing shift in global travel preferences, with more visitors seeking experiences that support wellness, outdoor activities and meaningful connections with local communities. By blending sport with tourism, Macao aims to showcase a more authentic and diverse image of the destination.

Discovering Macao Through Movement

The new campaign transforms running into a form of urban exploration, allowing travellers to discover the city at a slower and more personal pace.

While Macao is internationally recognised for its iconic attractions and entertainment offerings, the initiative focuses on introducing visitors to lesser-known areas where local culture, heritage and everyday life continue to thrive.

Through carefully planned routes, participants can explore historic neighbourhoods, traditional markets, coastal landscapes and community spaces while experiencing the city beyond its most familiar locations.

The campaign is designed to appeal to a wide range of travellers, from casual visitors interested in cultural exploration to fitness enthusiasts looking for active travel experiences.

Eight Routes Reveal Four Unique Perspectives

A central feature of the campaign is a collection of eight jogging routes organised around four themed experiences. The routes offer different levels of difficulty, allowing participants with varying fitness abilities to join the journey.

The Running and Gastronomy experience combines exercise with Macao’s celebrated food culture. Participants can travel through local markets, narrow streets and neighbourhood dining areas while discovering traditional flavours and culinary stories that reflect the city’s unique heritage.

The Running and Heritage routes provide a journey through Macao’s historic districts. Visitors can explore areas rich in cultural significance while learning about the city’s architectural character and historical development through an environmentally friendly mode of travel.

The Running and Community routes focus on the human side of Macao. By passing through residential neighbourhoods and local gathering places, these routes allow visitors to experience community traditions, local lifestyles and the warmth of everyday interactions.

The Running and Scenery routes highlight the city’s quieter landscapes, including coastal views and leisure areas. These paths offer opportunities to enjoy Macao’s natural surroundings while discovering peaceful locations away from busy tourist areas.

Together, the four themes create a multi-dimensional travel experience that combines fitness, culture, food and exploration.

Social Media Campaign Connects With Global Travellers

To extend the campaign’s reach, MGTO is using a broad digital promotion strategy across major social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Threads, TikTok, Xiaohongshu and YouTube.

Content creators from Hong Kong and international markets will take part in the campaign by sharing their route experiences and showcasing different perspectives of Macao.

The campaign focuses on storytelling that highlights personal discoveries, local encounters and unique travel moments. This approach aims to inspire potential visitors by presenting Macao as a destination filled with experiences beyond traditional attractions.

Through social media engagement, the initiative seeks to attract travellers who value authentic destinations, wellness activities and immersive cultural experiences.

Visitors Invited to Join Digital and Physical Challenges

The campaign introduces interactive activities designed to encourage both online participation and in-person exploration.

An online voting activity allows audiences to engage with the campaign by selecting their preferred running routes. This digital element helps create stronger connections between travellers and the experiences featured throughout the initiative.

For visitors in Macao, an offline running challenge offers the opportunity to complete designated routes and capture memorable moments at selected locations. Participants who successfully complete the challenges and share their experiences can receive special rewards, including Marathon Sports vouchers.

By combining digital interaction with physical exploration, the campaign encourages visitors to actively participate rather than simply observe.

Local Stories Bring Authentic Macao Experiences

Adding another layer of cultural storytelling, the campaign features a “Street Interview” video series focused on local perspectives.

The series explores Macao’s food traditions, neighbourhood character and running culture through conversations that reveal the city’s everyday charm.

By highlighting local knowledge and personal stories, the content provides travellers with insights into places, experiences and traditions that are often overlooked in standard travel promotions.

The initiative reinforces the idea that the true character of Macao can be discovered through its people, communities and daily life.

Digital Rewards Encourage Community Spending

The campaign also incorporates technology to support local economic activity through a partnership with AlipayHK.

As the campaign’s digital payment partner, AlipayHK will distribute promotional vouchers through its app, encouraging travellers to explore local neighbourhoods and support businesses across the city.

Visitors can access campaign-related offers while earning A.Point rewards through eligible purchases made in Macao.

The partnership aims to connect online engagement with real-world visitor spending, helping bring more tourism activity to local communities.

By encouraging travellers to visit neighbourhood shops, restaurants and businesses, the initiative supports a more balanced tourism economy.

Promoting Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism

The campaign aligns with Macao’s efforts to develop tourism experiences that are more sustainable, diverse and community-focused.

Encouraging visitors to explore by foot supports environmentally responsible travel while helping distribute visitor activity beyond major attractions.

The initiative also reflects the changing expectations of modern travellers, who increasingly seek destinations where they can combine recreation, culture and meaningful experiences.

Through the integration of sports, digital technology and community exploration, “MACAO, GET, SET, GLOW 2026” presents a fresh vision of Macao as a destination that can be experienced through movement and discovery.

The campaign invites travellers to uncover hidden corners of the city, connect with local communities and experience Macao from a completely new perspective, one running route at a time.