A ‘Macao Showcase’ was launched today in Singapore by Sands China, aiming to promote Macao’s tourism offerings as well as its attractiveness as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).
The three-day event is being held at the Expo and Convention Centre of Sands’ sister property, Marina Bay Sands, and is open to the Singaporean public. Amid a setting inspired by landmarks like the Ruins of St. Paul’s and Travessa da Paixão, stalls and displays promote Macao’s gastronomy, art, and culture.
“We’re trying to showcase Macao as a tourist destination”, said Wilfred Wong, Sands China’s president, in his opening speech. He added “We also want to showcase Macao as a MICE destination” and draw attention to “the vibrancy of the SMEs in Macao”.
Wong said that Singapore was the first stop in a series of international promotions being organised by Sands China to promote the territory.
Wong Ka Lung and Eric Fok are among the local artists on show. Fashion by well-known Macao designer Nuno Lopes is being featured, along with collections from several up-and-coming brands.
Among the many iconic Macao brands taking part in the event are Macau Beer, Alua e comida Portuguesa Kam In (cookies and confections), and the Padaria da Guia bakery. A large queue formed at the stall run by the Venetian Macao’s 828 Café, famed for its pork chop bun. The first gin to be produced in Macao, Owl Man, was also served to visitors and proved very popular.
Goodie bags are being given out and visitors can take part in a lucky draw to win round-trip flights to Macao and accommodation at Sands China’s Londoner Hotel and Londoner Court.
[See more: Sands China’s latest project aims to encourage local entrepreneurs]
Feedback from visitors was positive.
“Maybe on my next trip to Hong Kong I’ll drop by Macao, I’ve never been before”, said one visitor, Cheri Aw Yong. “I’m surprised by how well Macao seems to have maintained its heritage … it’s an interesting mix of cultures. Seems like there is a lot of food to try too and I’m a foodie, so I should definitely visit!”
At the opening ceremony, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, head of the Macao Government Tourism Office, said “This is the first time we have our integrated resorts leading a promotion” instead of the government. “It’s a good time to reverse and we do welcome these initiatives going forwards”.
She hailed the event as “a great entry point for leisure and business travellers to discover Macao’s overall tourism. From sight-seeing to meetings and conventions, gastronomy, retail, events and more, it celebrates Macao’s current dynamic development as a world centre of tourism and leisure”.
Grant Chum, Sands China’s chief operating officer, and Vincent U, head of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, also officiated at the ceremony.
Chum used the occasion to talk about the Sands Lifestyle loyalty programme, which is being rolled out as an international initiative. The programme allows members to earn discounts, room upgrades, late checkouts and other privileges.
“This brand is not just to promote the best of what Sands Resorts Macao has to offer, but also what Macao as a cultural heritage destination as a unique bi-cultural destination has to offer”, he told the audience.
The Macao Showcase is open to the public from 7 to 9 June.
—With reporting by Sara Santos Silva/Singapore
