MGTO: Gastro fest switch targets off-season, better skies

The Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) says it moved its annual Cities of Gastronomy Fest to March to dodge typhoons and rainy weather that disrupted previous editions. The rescheduling follows last year’s event, which was affected by typhoons, heavy rain and hot, humid conditions that upended the outdoor-heavy program.

Speaking on the sidelines of the “2026 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao” opening ceremony, MGTO director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said the decision was aimed at providing more stable conditions for visitors and exhibitors and at injecting energy into a traditionally quieter period for the tourism industry.

“Why did we choose March? […] It’s the off-season for tourism. We wanted to offer diverse activities even during this period so people wouldn’t have to rush during peak seasons or when crowds are heavy,” Fernandes stated.

Organizers expect about 100,000 visitors to attend the festival, which received a 14% budget increase this year. The additional funding supports an expanded footprint across the ZAPE district and introduces new thematic features designed to deepen Macau’s role as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

The 10-day event runs through March 29.

Among the new features this year is the Global Wine Lounge, which organizers describe as a platform for fresh collaborations among wine producers, distributors and restaurateurs.

The lounge is complemented by 21 breakout venues scattered across ZAPE, featuring offerings from 16 gastronomic cities and five additional categories of culinary and cultural partners from mainland China.

The core of the festival remains the International Gastronomy Promenade, with about 100 stalls, though the layout and mix have been adjusted.

Rather than clustering exhibitors by geography, MGTO says it blended participants from mainland China, overseas culinary capitals and local eateries. “I think this allows for a better layout and also promotes mutual exchange and collaboration,” Fernandes remarked.

The expanded footprint aims to spread visitor flows and encourage crowds to explore different corners of the district, while also creating more opportunities for small- and medium-sized enterprises to join the program.

Beyond food stalls and demonstrations, MGTO is promoting the festival as a hub for discussions on the future of gastronomy and its links with other sectors.

An International Food Forum is scheduled for Monday, March 23, bringing together UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy and other Creative Cities in music, design, art and folk arts. According to organizers, the forum will feature three main panel discussions.

One will focus on sustainable development, co-hosted with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, and will highlight a “Young Chef” program that spotlights two Macau chefs working with local ingredients and responsible sourcing. A second panel will examine the links between gastronomy and other creative fields such as design and music, while a third will look at food’s role in content creation, from social media to tourism storytelling.

Flight Woes

Fernandes also faced questions about broader challenges affecting Macau’s tourism recovery, particularly rising airfares, reduced flights and geopolitical tensions.

“We’ve noticed a lot of fluctuation in airfares lately, especially for flights to Europe. Prices have been quite high,” she said. Fernandes noted that conflicts in the Middle East and airspace restrictions have driven up costs and limited options for medium- and long-haul routes, hitting European visitors hardest.

By contrast, she suggested, Asian travelers may shift toward shorter regional trips within the Greater Bay Area, as long-haul journeys become pricier and unpredictable.

“We will do our best to address this and hope to turn this crisis into an opportunity,” Fernandes said. On assessing the numbers, she added, “It’s very difficult. Well, we don’t have the numbers to gauge at this point. However, I think probably some of the February numbers – or when the March numbers come out – then it would be a better indication of the impact.”

Fernandes also committed to tracking flight availability, pricing trends and traveler sentiment for future promotions.

[ Photo; Nadia Shaw]

UNESCO chief hails Macau as ‘powerful connector’ at record-breaking gastro fest

The 2026 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest opened Friday at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, drawing a record 38 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy from 22 countries to the Macao Government Tourism Office–organized event.

Secretary for Economy and Finance Anton Tai Kin Ip, deputy director-general of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR Yang Quanzhou, UNESCO Creative Cities Network Secretary Denise Bax, and MGTO director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes cut the ribbon alongside representatives from the six gaming concessionaires and other stakeholders.

During the ceremony, Bax hailed gastronomy as a “powerful connector” capable of uniting people, cultures, and cities in ways few other elements can.

Bax said in her opening remarks, “Since joining the Network in 2017, Macau has demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to international cooperation and to the values of the Network.”

She also stated that the UCCN Secretariat is working closely with the city to develop a dedicated research report featuring Macao as a case study.

“Building on the Report on the Impact of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, and with the support of FAO and UN Tourism, this initiative will help deepen our understanding of how the UCCN designation translates into tangible results at the city level, as well as highlight Macao’s experience,” said the UCCN Secretary.

According to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, the report is expected to be released later this year. It will examine how the gastronomy designation has driven inclusive urban development, preserved local food heritage, and stimulated creative exchange in Macau. NS