Seventh Sands Shopping Carnival draws record 160,000 visits, empowering local SMEs

Sands China Ltd. recently presented the seventh Sands Shopping Carnival in collaboration with the Macao Chamber of Commerce, reinforcing the event’s role as a key platform for promoting local businesses, enhancing visitor experiences, and supporting the government’s “Tourism+” strategy.

Held at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo, the annual event has evolved into one of the city’s signature tourism and retail showcases, bringing together local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), residents and visitors through a combination of shopping, food & beverage, entertainment and leisure activities.

The July 23-26 large-scale event featured more than 580 exhibition booths from local SMEs, specialty retailers, social service organizations and creative brands, further cementing its role as a major tourism and retail showcase.

Since launching in 2020, the event has attracted 800,000 visits and provided 4,000 complimentary exhibition booths, helping SMEs promote their brands and connect directly with consumers.

Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., recalled that the carnival debuted during a difficult period with the aim of supporting local SMEs, reflecting the integrated resort operator’s continued commitment to fostering the growth of Macau’s business community.

“Launched amid the pandemic in 2020, the Sands Shopping Carnival was born out of our commitment to standing shoulder to shoulder with Macau’s SMEs through challenging times. At the time, we took the bold step of opening up our resources and sharing our customer network with local SMEs at no cost, creating for them Macau’s largest free sales platform.”

Over the years, the carnival has grown from a business support initiative into a signature community event that showcases Macau’s diversity and creativity.

“We are especially encouraged that the carnival is drawing an increasing number of visitors from across the Greater Bay Area to Macao, further cementing its position as one of the region’s most influential consumer events, attracting 800,000 visits over the past seven years.”

Meanwhile, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), said the carnival reflects the collaborative efforts of the tourism and retail sectors in elevating Macau’s appeal to visitors.

Senna Fernandes recalled that Macau recently topped the China Tourism Academy’s 2025 Top Ten Destinations for Chinese Outbound Tourist Satisfaction ranking for the second consecutive year, with the city earning high marks for its leisure and entertainment offerings as well as its attractions and accommodation.

“As quality retail service plays a vital role in enhancing visitors’ overall experience, we encourage the retail sector to continue responding to market needs and delivering attentive services, further strengthening Macau’s position as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.”

For the Macao Chamber of Commerce, the carnival also highlights the continued collaboration between Sands China and the local business community in creating new opportunities for SMEs.

Ma Chi Ngai, president of the board of directors of the Macao Chamber of Commerce, said the event has grown significantly since its launch seven years ago, dubbing the event “a pioneering initiative that has evolved into a signature tourism event.”

“This remarkable achievement reflects not only Sands China’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its social responsibilities, but also the dedication and perseverance of Macau’s SMEs over the years.”

“We are delighted to see a growing number of local SMEs leveraging this platform to showcase the potential and vigour of Macau’s businesses. Beyond stimulating local consumption, the event also reinforces Macau’s position as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, while supporting the city’s economic diversification efforts,” he added.

For participating SMEs, the carnival represents more than just a sales opportunity. It provides a valuable stage for businesses to introduce their products, build brand recognition, and interact directly with customers.

Building brands through exposure

Macau-based healthy eating brand Green Time was among this year’s participating businesses, showcasing its range of light meals, drinks and wellness products.

Participating in the Sands Shopping Carnival for the third consecutive year, company representative Gloria Ao Ieong said the event helps more people discover its products and understand its approach to healthy living. It added that the carnival provides SMEs with a rare opportunity to join a large-scale exhibition without the significant costs usually involved.

She said the carnival’s model of “big plus small” allows SMEs to showcase their products alongside established brands, creating greater visibility and opportunities for growth.

“Large enterprises have extensive customer networks and market influence, while small SMEs have agility and innovative capabilities,” Ao Ieong said. “This partnership creates a synergistic effect and represents a large-scale cooperation model that drives the growth and development of SMEs.”

A gateway for local brands

For local crystal accessory brand Back Street Studio, the carnival has opened new opportunities by helping the business reach a wider customer base and connect with visitors beyond the traditional exhibition audience.

Owner Charlie U said participating in a free platform where businesses can display their products without additional costs is a valuable opportunity for SMEs.

He also highlighted the event’s role in connecting businesses from Macau and other Greater Bay Area cities, while offering visitors a more diverse experience of local products and industries.

Testing ideas and encouraging entrepreneurship

For some businesses, the carnival serves not only as a sales platform but also as a testing ground for future development.

Aka Tou, senior business manager of Katoya Foods Company Limited, said the company’s first participation allows it to introduce its products to more consumers and better understand market demand.

The Taipa-based company is showcasing a selection of Japanese products, including wagyu beef, pork, seafood and ready-to-cook frozen foods.

“Macau is really small, and apart from our daily lives and social circles, we have very few connections with outside businesses,” Tou said. “This large venue attracts residents and connects them with us.”

Tou added that the carnival provides valuable feedback from consumers and helps businesses make decisions about future development.

A commitment to SMEs

Sands China continues to support the growth of the city’s SMEs through a range of initiatives designed to create business opportunities and strengthen the local economy.

Beyond organizing the annual carnival, the company has remained committed to local procurement and fostering partnerships with local suppliers. This dates back to the launch of the Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme with the Macao Chamber of Commerce in July 2015.

Aligned with the government’s “buy local” initiative, the programme reflects Sands China’s long-term dedication to empowering local businesses, enhancing opportunities for SMEs and contributing to the sustainable development of the local business community as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts.

Local organizations showcase inclusion, sustainability

Local social service organizations are using the Sands Shopping Carnival as a platform to promote social inclusion, sustainability and community engagement, with initiatives covering mental health support, vocational training, environmental protection and employment opportunities.

Cherry Tong, Vocational Rehabilitation manager of Richmond Fellowship of Macau’s Loja do Canto, said the group’s participation goes beyond selling products. The organization operates various service platforms, including activity centers, residential facilities, vocational service centers and community outreach teams, to support people with mental health needs.

She said preparing for the carnival provides service users with valuable vocational training, allowing them to experience a real market environment, improve communication skills and rebuild confidence through interactions with visitors.

“It helps them regain their confidence to return to the community and re-enter the workforce. It’s a huge confidence booster,” Tong said.

She added that the event also helps strengthen connections between social service organizations and the public.

“This carnival is something that the public actively walks into, and that provides a huge platform for us to connect with people in different ways, making them feel a link to us,” she said.

Meanwhile, Bosco Youth Service Network is using the carnival to promote sustainable consumption through its social enterprise Bosco Green Store, which encourages package-free shopping and provides employment opportunities for people with autism spectrum conditions.

CEO Vincent Yip said the platform helps social enterprises gain greater visibility and connect with more customers.

“Social enterprises in Macau are not always easy for the public to discover, so this platform provides a valuable opportunity for us to showcase our work and let more people know about our initiatives,” Yip said.

He added that the carnival also allows members with autism to develop workplace and communication skills through direct interaction with customers and organizers.

Both organizations expressed appreciation for Sands China’s support, saying partnerships with businesses can provide resources and opportunities for vulnerable groups to participate more actively in the community.