The “2025 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao” (referred to as the “Fest”), organized by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), is unveiled at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf today (11 July). Themed as “Spices and Herbs”, the Fest brings together 35 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy from 22 countries across six continents for a splendid feast of international gastronomic cultures over ten days. Through the three major highlights of “International Gastronomy Promenade”, “City of Gastronomy Showcase” and “International Gastronomy Forum, Macao”, the event showcases Macao’s unique fascinations and strengths as an international exchange platform to the world.

Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR Government, Anton Tai Kin Ip; Deputy Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Yang Quanzhou; Deputy Governor of Phetchaburi Province of Thailand, Wanpen Mungsri; Mayor of Nkongsamba of Cameroon, Frédéric Nzoki Epoh; Vice Mayor of Phuket of Thailand, Piboonsak Kittitornkun; Vice Mayor of Portoviejo of Ecuador, Maria Isabel Guillen Mendoza; Vice Mayor of Kermanshah of Iran, Iman Derakhshi; Vice Mayor of Santa Maria da Feira of Portugal, António Gil Alves Ferreira; Coordinator of the Cities of Gastronomy Subnetwork of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) and Focal Point of San Antonio, USA, Colleen Swain; as well as MGTO Director and Macao SAR (China) Focal Point to the UCCN, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, officiated the opening ceremony together with representatives of the six integrated resort enterprises and other guests.

MGTO Director and Macao SAR (China) Focal Point to the UCCN, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, remarked in her speech that gastronomy is a universal language shared by people around the world. The unique tastes of Macao’s culinary arts and traditions, along with the offering of global cuisines, have become one of the top reasons visitors embark on a journey here. The “2025 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao” leverages gastronomy as a bridge to connect different cultures, radiate Macao’s strengths as an international exchange platform and strive to carry on Macao’s culinary culture, joining hands with other Creative Cities of Gastronomy to support the implementation of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, reinforcing Macao’s status as a world centre of tourism and leisure.

Secretary of UCCN, Denise Bax, expressed in her speech by video that the UNESCO Creative Cities Network was created in 2004 to promote cooperation among cities that recognize culture and creativity as strategic drivers of sustainable urban development. The UCCN Secretariat is proud to support the “2025 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao” as one of the collaborative initiatives that strengthen cultural bonds and foster sustainable growth. Looking ahead, there are many opportunities to deepen cooperation between UNESCO and Macao — from food and gastronomy to sustainable tourism, and even the development of new sectors empowered by culture and creativity.

Coordinator of the Cities of Gastronomy Subnetwork of the UCCN and Focal Point of San Antonio, USA, Colleen Swain, highlighted in her opening speech that this annual event is very important to the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy subnetwork. It not only brings together the UNESCO Creative Cities of gastronomy, but also allows visitors and residents of Macao, as well as the local culinary businesses the opportunity to learn more about the unique food and culture of each UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. It serves as a platform for the Creative Cities to exchange and showcase their unique culinary specialties and cultural traditions.

Over 60% of Creative Cities of Gastronomy worldwide gather in Macao

The “2025 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao” is staged at Roman Amphitheatre Square and Legend Boulevard of Macau Fisherman’s Wharf from 11 to 20 July. Delegates of 35 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy from 22 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, South and North Americas, seven Creative Cities of other fields and two candidate cities from the Chinese mainland, along with two Culture Cities of East Asia 2025 are joining the Fest. Over 60% of the Creative Cities of Gastronomy worldwide engage in different event highlights in Macao. Visitors and residents can taste a tapestry of global cuisines and experience Macao’s glamour of “tourism + gastronomy”.

Three major highlights — global cuisines, culinary showcase and gastronomy forum

Winning much applause in 2024, the three major highlights of the Fest return this year. The “International Gastronomy Promenade” features 105 food booths presented by 15 Creative Cities of Gastronomy from across the globe. Chefs from 29 Creative Cities of Gastronomy demonstrate culinary arts in over 60 cooking shows of the “City of Gastronomy Showcase”. Themed as “The Spice of Life: Macao’s Culinary Connections”, the “International Gastronomy Forum, Macao” invites 17 guests from different sectors to explore the significance of spices and herbs in worldwide cuisines through two keynote presentations and three panel sessions.

1,000 dining seats are provided at five catering zones at the event, alongside a game zone and a Brew-and-Chill Zone by day and night. Various performances are arranged to spark lively vibes at the Fest. The event is held at Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior (NAPE), with the hope to invigorate local communities and bring more visitors and residents there for hotel stay and spending.

For the public’s tasting of different delights, the “International Gastronomy Promenade” will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday to Friday, from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday between 11 and 20 July. The “City of Gastronomy Showcase” will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily during the event period.

Special offers online

MGTO presents an interactive zone of the “2025 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao” on its WeChat mini-program “MGTO’s Interactive Zone”. Residents and visitors can check out the event program, play interactive games and join the lucky draw online for a chance to become the sole winner of a free roundtrip air ticket from Macao to the Chinese mainland. The Office also partners with Macau Pass, Bank of China Macau Branch as well as Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macau) to promote the event and launch special offers for consumers through e-payment platforms.

Shuttle bus + free admission
The “2025 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao” offers free admission for the public. Facilitating visitors and residents’ visit to the Fest, MGTO provides free shuttle bus service along three routes between the event venue and the following locations during the event period (11 – 20 July): Border Gate, Rua do Dr. Pedro José Lobo in the central district, Taipa Central Park and the hotel resorts of the six integrated resort enterprises in Cotai District — Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, Wynn Palace, MGM Cotai, Studio City, The Venetian Macao and Galaxy Macau. The service hours are as follows: from 3:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday, from 3 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, throughout the event period.

For the event program and latest information, please visit the themed website: https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/article/events/gastronomy-fest-2025.