Alexis Tam
The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Alexis Tam,says it is necessary to combine cultural innovation with the culinary arts and gastronomy to be able to forge a new path of development in the cultural and creative industries of Macau.
Speaking on the sidelines of a public event earlier this week, Tam noted the challenges connected to Macau’s recent designation as a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO.
In the secretary’s opinion, the title “will contribute to and benefit the development of the adequate diversification of Macau’s economy and promote Macau’s transformation into an World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.”
The Secretary noted that culinary culture was considered by the government as the fifth branch of the activities classified under the “Cultural Industries of Macau” category, which also includes creative design, exhibitions and cultural shows, collection of artistic works and digital media. These creative sectors were grouped together intentionally, with the aim of promoting collaboration between the tourism sector, food and beverage establishments and the cultural and creative industries sector. The hope was expressed that the interconnectedness of these sectors would “enrich the content of the Creative City of Gastronomy.”
To do so, Tam said that the government was already preparing for the construction a technical and vocational education center with the purpose of providing training in a variety of international cuisines.
The building, according to Tam, will occupy the land plot named CN6a in Seac Pai Van while at the higher education level, the Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) will continue their works to create a culinary center, as well as organize courses for undergraduates, continue education, and train professionals already operating in this field with the idea to improve skills and knowledge of the professionals in the culinary area.
Tam stressed that “gastronomy does not mean only wines and foods of different qualities but also includes popular, economic, home and community gastronomy.” He announced that the government will support the creation of an environment of culinary culture in the community and reinforce promotion and information disclosure with the purpose of “attract[ing] tourists to visit different areas of Macau, enjoy local food, as well as boost consumption and growth in different areas of Macau.”
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