The Deputy Director-General of UNESCO, Getachew Engida said today that the “2018 Macao Year of Gastronomy” will provide an opportunity for Macau to develop regional and international cooperation with partners both within the network and beyond, strengthening its reputation as a gastronomic hub.
Getachew Engida remembered that gastronomy is not only an integral part of the city’s cultural identity but also a strong driver of its sustainable economic development and social cohesion.
Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of Macau, Alexis Tam said during the ceremony that as a Creative City of Gastronomy, Macau will provide more training opportunities for the next generations of culinary arts talent. It will also ensure the inheritance of local cuisines, such as Macau’s unique Macanese cooking.
“We will work more closely with local food and beverage operators to improve the sector’s competitiveness, while encouraging more cooperation between gastronomy and creative industries” he said.
Several initiatives were also announced which included new culinary routes, design tour routes for in-depth culinary experiences, gastronomic elements in travel roadshows and the organisation of gastronomy-themed activities in major source markets.
Macau was designated as a new member city of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of Gastronomy on 31 October 2017 and for the next four years will implement an action plan as a UCCN.
