04 Dec 2017
WHAT'S NEW
Macao designated as UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy
After a vigorous evaluation process, UNESCO has designated Macao as a Creative City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network.
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was founded in 2004 and covers seven creative fields: Craft and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Music and Media Arts. The designation of Macao in the field of gastronomy reinforces the important role that Macao's cuisine plays in its distinctive east-meets-west culture. Macao was already recognised by UNESCO in 2005, when The Historic Centre of Macao – consisting of 30 buildings of Chinese and Portuguese origin – was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and this new designation will further enhance the synergy between Macanese gastronomy, culture, tradition and tourism.
Earlier this year the Macao Government Tourism Office launched a new gastronomy-focused website as an inspiring source of information about Macao's rich and diverse food scene and unique culture. To celebrate the designation of Macao as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, the Macao SAR Government will launch a series of further initiatives both locally and internationally to raise awareness about the destination.
New stars join the International Film Festival and Awards Macau Lineup
Following the announcement of Jeremy Renner as “Talent Ambassador” at the 2nd annual International Film Festival and Awards Macau (IFFAM), new additions to the programme have been revealed. Producer and Director John Woo will share his decades of industry experience in a masterclass, while internationally renowned star Michelle Yeoh – whose international roles include Tomorrow Never Dies, Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and Memoirs of a Geisha - will be the subject of this event's In Focus tribute and will also take part in an “In Conversation” event.
The prestigious IFFAM is set to take place from 8th to the 14th December. It will open with the screening of Paddington 2, starring Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant and Hugh Bonneville.
'Learn & Play! teamLab Future Park' to open in MGM Macao this December
MGM Macau has announced the opening of 'Learn & Play! teamLab Future Park' at their Art Space from 1st December 2017 to 28th February 2018. With four interactive settings - Graffiti Nature Mountains and Valleys, Sketch Christmas/Sketch Town, Sketch Town Papercraft and Light Ball Orchestra – this innovative experience encourages visitors of all ages to participate in a creative journey.
https://www.mgm.mo/en/macau/entertainment/bring-art-to-life
NEW HOTEL OPENINGS
MGM COTAI: The second resort from the MGM Resorts International group in Macao is expected to open by the end of January 2018*. With its glittering, jewellery-box-like façade, the property will feature 1,400 rooms and suites, meeting space, a state-of-the-art spa, nine unique restaurants and bars and sophisticated retail options. The resort's highlights will include Asia's first adaptive and dynamic theatre and “Spectacle”, a football pitch-sized atrium with one of the world's largest collections of sensory digital art.
Due to open in 2018* are: The 13, an ultra-luxury all villa hotel, Morpheus, a new flagship hotel within the City of Dreams resort designed by world-renowned architect, the late Dame Zaha Hadid, DBE and Grand Lisboa Palace, a luxury resort which will feature over 2,000 rooms in three hotels, including the Palazzo Versace and the world's first Karl Lagerfeld hotel.
*Important Note: Dates and details of hotel openings are based on latest information supplied by third parties, which has been updated as of November 2017. As the Macao Government Tourism Office cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information, which may be subject to change, we recommend that you verify the latest details with the companies concerned prior to use.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
The 7th Macau Shopping Festival
3rd – 31st December 2017
Macau Shopping Festival is back for a 7th year to bring a festive atmosphere throughout the city this December. Along with an abundance of bargains and offers, event highlights include lucky draws, interactive games, souvenirs and the 'Join Me Macau Bazaar' with a dazzling selection of local brands, products and delightful delicacies.
http://www.macaushoppingfestival.org
Macao International Marathon
03rd December 2017
The Macao International Marathon continues to attract large numbers of local and international long-distance runners, since it began in 1981. Amateurs and professional athletes will be able to test their endurance with the half and mini marathon, while those looking to take on the challenge will be able to complete the full course which includes the Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane.
Macao Light Festival
3rd – 31st December
The 3rd edition of the Macao Light Festival 2017 will come to life from 3rd to the 31st December. This year's theme of “AMOR MACAU,” will take participants on a enchanting journey of love and dreams through interactive games, projection mapping, light installations and a series of other magical activities. The routes will radiate from the iconic Ruins of St Paul's at the heart of the event, through many attractions and World Heritage sites including Senado Square, St Lazarus Church, Taipa Houses and Camoes Garden.
International Film Festival & Awards Macao
8th-14th December 2017
The 2nd annual International Film Festival & Awards is back with a star line up films and talent. See “New stars join the International Film Festival and Awards Macau Lineup” above.
2017 Macao International Parade
17th December 2017
The Macao International Parade will celebrate the 18th anniversary of Macao's handover to China, bringing together locals and visitors alike in the theme of “Peace, Love and Cultural Integration.” Participating groups from Macao and all over the world will lead residents and visitors in a festive adventure starting at the Ruins of St Paul's and passing local districts and historical monuments including Senado Square, Avenida da Praia Grande and Nam Van Lake.
http://www.icm.gov.mo/macaoparade/7/en/
Keep up to date with all the latest news and information about Macao
on Facebook www.facebook.com/MacaoUK, Twitter www.twitter.com/MacaoUK, Instagram www.instagram.com/MacaoUK or visit www.macaotourism.gov.mo.
-ENDS-
For further media information and images contact:
Cat Cambridge
Macao Government Tourism Office – UK & Ireland Representative
T: +44 (0) 203 375 4054
About Macao:
A Special Administrative Region of China since 1999, Macao blends the best of east and west, old and new and is one of Asia's most intriguing destinations. Located just 40 miles from Hong Kong on China's south coast, it offers a world class hotel, restaurant, shopping and entertainment scene, whilst retaining its unique Portuguese-Chinese culture in its UNESCO World Heritage listed architecture, colourful events and fusion cuisine. Chosen as one of Lonely Planet's top 10 regions for travel in 2015, Macao packs a lot into its 11 square miles and makes the perfect addition to a Far East holiday or stopover en route “Down Under”.
About the Macao Government Tourism Office:
The Macao Government Tourism Office is the tourism development arm of the government of the Macao SAR (Special Administrative Region) dedicated to promoting Macao as a preferred destination and co-ordinating related activities and services within the local tourism industry.
