The 21st Macau Food Festival is set to begin on November 19 and will run for 17 consecutive days as long as no Covid-19 cases are detected during the period.
In a press conference, Chan Chak Mo, chairman of the organizing committee of the festival said that around 215 firms have signed up for the festival – an increase of some 20 to 30 food and beverage stores.
However, he expects that the number of attendees to decrease this year, noting that epidemic prevention measures have been strengthened, and visitors may only dine in the eating area.
Staff at the festival must have received both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine and must get a nucleic acid test certificate every seven days.
Chan, meanwhile, clarified that the food festival may be suspended at any time based on the health authorities’ assessment of the epidemic, and in that event, the canceled part of the festival will not be rescheduled.
One merchant, cited in a TDM report, commented that the vaccination measures are difficult to achieve and the operating conditions imposed by the health authorities are not feasible.
Although trading at the food festival is not expected to be ideal, it nevertheless helps to promote the stores, and stores are expected take extra health precautions to avoid losses caused by the suspension of the food festival.
Like last year, this year’s festival will probably only feature local caters; unlike the customary format, in which cuisines from a different country are showcased each year.
Last year, a total of 102 merchants were new to the festival, 10% more than the previous year.
Hosted by the United Association of Food and Beverage Merchants of Macao, this year’s festival will be in the usual location: opposite the Macau Tower and the leisure area adjacent to the Sai Van Lake.
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