Gov’t plans new creative market event in NAPE

The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) announced plans for a new cultural and creative market event in the NAPE district slated for August, aiming to revitalize the area with a fresh blend of cultural and market activities.

The announcement came during the Macao International Gastronomy Forum held yesterday at the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The forum gathered representatives from over 30 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy worldwide, along with creative cities from Mainland China, under the theme “The Spice of Life: Macao’s Culinary Connections.” It explored the global impact of spices on culinary traditions.

Keynote speakers included acclaimed chefs Jordy Navarra from the Philippines and Varun Totlani from India, both recipients of 2024 Best Chef Awards. Three panel discussions featured 15 culinary experts discussing topics from the spice trade’s history to spices’ role in modern fusion cuisine.

Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, MGTO director, emphasized the forum’s cultural and economic value and highlighted Macau’s distinctive East-West culinary heritage as a foundation for the new NAPE event.

The forum also coincided with Macau’s expansion of visa-free entry to nationals from five Middle Eastern countries – Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman – effective July 17. This brings the total number of visa-free countries to 87, targeting tourists known for longer stays and family travel.

“I know that Middle Eastern tourists generally have two characteristics: longer stays and often larger family groups. We hope to focus on these two points to gradually attract them to Macau,” she said.

Travelers from these countries will benefit from streamlined customs clearance via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, including self-service channels at major ports.

The Public Security Police reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government initiatives by improving customs procedures under the ‘one center, one platform, one base’ strategy.

The gastronomy forum is part of the broader 2025 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, running through July 20, featuring over 100 food stalls, cooking demonstrations by chefs from 29 cities, and cultural performances. Ns