Sands Shopping Carnival returns with four-day event at Cotai Expo

The Sands Shopping Carnival has returned to The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo, offering four days of retail, food, and family activities from yesterday to July 20.

Organized by Sands China Ltd. and co-organized by the Macao Chamber of Commerce, the free event supports the government’s “tourism+” initiative and aims to boost local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Now in its sixth year, the event features over 580 booths across eight themed zones, including food, household goods, cultural products, and a new coffee-themed area. Entry is free, and the carnival is open to the public from noon to 10 p.m. daily.

“With the Sands Shopping Carnival entering its sixth edition, it has become a summer rendezvous for Macau residents,” said Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd. “

The initiative has been driven by its original mission from the pandemic to support local SMEs by providing them a free business platform.”

He added that over 540,000 visitors have attended the carnival since its launch, with nearly 3,400 booths provided over the years.

“What began as an attraction primarily for visitors from Macau, Hong Kong and Zhuhai has now expanded to draw crowds from across the Greater Bay Area,” Wong noted.

This year’s edition showcases increased community engagement, with 19 local organizations participating, up from three in its inaugural year.

Some exhibitors are part of Sands China’s Rua das Estalagens entrepreneurship programme.

The carnival also includes entertainment highlights such as a children’s modelling contest, a karaoke competition, and culinary workshops for kids. Daily offers include limited MOP1 items and discounts of up to 90%.

Also speaking at the opening ceremony yesterday, U Kin Cho, vice president of the board of directors of the Macao Chamber of Commerce, said, “Now in its sixth consecutive year, the Sands Shopping Carnival is showcasing an ever-growing reputation. This event has evolved into a local shopping staple and a magnet for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in Macau’s distinctive allure.”

The opening ceremony yesterday was attended by representatives from the Macao Government Tourism Office, the Economic and Technological Development Bureau, financial institutions, and Sands China executives.