From 15 to 24 August, the Macao Tourism Government Office (MGTO) will host the ZAPE Taste Jam food market in partnership with a local social and community group, the Association of Returned Overseas Chinese Macau. The market will run from 3:30 pm to 10 pm daily.
The market aims to boost the night-time economy and tourism in ZAPE by transforming Rua de Cantão and Rua de Xangai into vibrant pedestrian zones filled with food stalls and cultural booths.
The market will highlight local specialties from small and medium-sized enterprises in the district with six street food trucks and over 30 stalls. Southeast Asian cuisine from the nearby “Three Lamps” area, Rotunda de Carlos da Maia, will be available, along with snacks, coffee and alcoholic drinks. There will be around 100 seats for dining on site.
[See more: Macao’s government is taking steps to boost business in the ZAPE district]
Live entertainment by local performers, games and installations for photo opportunities will also be available.
According to Cheng Wai Tong, the deputy director of MGTO, the 10-day market has a budget of 4.6 million patacas (roughly US$570,000), and MGTO will be contributing 3.6 million patacas (US$445,000) while the Association of Returned Overseas Chinese Macau will contribute 1 million patacas (roughly US$123,900).
These plans occur in light of challenges posed by the impending closure of nearby satellite casinos, a move that is forecasted to negatively impact surrounding businesses in ZAPE. The government says it will implement measures such as installing attractions, promoting local events and upgrading the area’s infrastructure to combat the expected downturn for ZAPE’s business owners.
