Wednesday, December 6, 2023
On December 5, the “Macao･Creative City of Gastronomy” 2023 work meeting took place, marking a return to the physical format. During the session, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) provided attendees with updates on the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) and Macao’s progress as a Creative City of Gastronomy, along with outlining the work plan for 2024.
Chaired by MGTO Director and Macao SAR focal point to the UCCN, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, the meeting included the presence of Fanny Vong, President of the Macao Institute for Tourism Studies, MGTO Deputy Director Ricky Hoi, and representatives from various bureaus and institutions such as the Municipal Affairs Bureau, Economic and Technological Development Bureau, Labour Affairs Bureau, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Education and Youth Affairs Bureau, Cultural Affairs Bureau, Environmental Protection Bureau, Macau University of Science and Technology, as well as delegates from the catering industry and integrated resort enterprises.
Positive feedback on the first monitoring report
Senna Fernandes shared that the four-year monitoring report submitted by MGTO in 2021 received generally positive feedback, reflecting the recognition from UCCN member cities for Macao. She expressed gratitude to the entities involved for their ongoing dedication to advancing Macao’s status as a Creative City of Gastronomy and strengthening the synergy between “tourism + gastronomy.”
Ongoing efforts to deepen Macao’s creative city status
During the meeting, MGTO presented an overview of UCCN and its recent efforts to drive Macao’s development as a Creative City of Gastronomy. Initiatives included the launch of the “Gastronomic Journey” website, utilizing the “Macao·Creative City of Gastronomy” website and Macanese Cuisine Database to enhance public understanding of Macao’s gastronomic culture. Other activities involved organizing the City of Gastronomy Showcase, implementing the specialized subsidy program for “Gastronomic culture promotion,” creating promotional videos about gastronomy, integrating gastronomic elements into mainland and overseas promotional events, conducting catering industry training, fostering creative integration between gastronomy and other fields, and active participation in UCCN and member cities’ activities.
Enhancing international influence in 2024
In 2024, MGTO aims to further advance Macao’s development as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy by deepening progress, implementing international marketing measures, organizing major gastronomic events and training programs, engaging in online initiatives, and fostering exchange with other cities. Leveraging Macao’s unique background and current resources, the office seeks to promote diversified development in the realm of “tourism + gastronomy” and elevate Macao’s international profile and influence.
During the meeting, officials from various governmental entities and industry delegates provided updates on their ongoing work and relevant tasks aimed at advancing Macao’s development as a Creative City of Gastronomy. These tasks spanned education, training, professional skills accreditation, contests, gastronomic activities, expos, forums, familiarization visits, and exchanges.
Macao, China, received the designation of a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy on November 1, 2017. Following this recognition, the SAR Government initiated an action plan to vigorously develop Macao as a Creative City of Gastronomy. The “Macao･Creative City of Gastronomy” work meeting is an annual event, except for 2022 due to the pandemic, and this year, it resumed in a physical format.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
