Features

Macao: A tourism powerhouse

16 Sep 2019 by Business Traveller India

Meet in Macao

Macao’s MICE market is witnessing an impressive uphill movement with the addition of new event venues and premium hotels almost every year. As per a recent report by “Macau International and MICE Travelers Market”, the Special Administrative Region of China is expected to attract over two million MICE travellers by 2025.

Located in the Greater Pearl River Delta region, Macao offers easy access to other business destinations such as Hong Kong and Guangzhou, which makes it a viable pick for large and small corporate events. One of the most anticipated MICE events this year in Macao is The 24th Macau International Trade and Investment Fair. Set to be hosted at The Venetian Macao Convention and Exhibition Center, the event will see the arrival of economic and trade representatives from more than 50 countries worldwide.

Sands Resorts Macao is a popular brand among business travellers. The hospitality chain covers some popular MICE venues in the region. These include The Venetian Macao, The Parisian Macao, Sands Macao, Holiday Inn, Conrad, Sheraton Grand Macao and The St. Regis Macao among others. Each of these hotels are well-equipped to handle large business summits and conferences as they offer a massive room inventory, world-class cuisine, in addition to large ballrooms and event spaces.

Retail therapy in Macao

Macao’s retail market has seen a tremendous growth in the last decade. Be it the vast expanse of exclusive stores at The Venetian Macao or street shopping at Senado Square, the region offers a great retail experience for luxury and budget travellers alike.

Talk about high-end shopping in Macao and the first name that comes to mind is Sands Shoppes Macao featuring over 850 of the world’s most premium brands. This shopping experience lets you choose from a plethora of options including Shoppes at Venetian, Shoppes at Four Seasons, Shoppes at Cotai Central and Shoppes at Parisian. Brands such as Cartier, Aquascutum, Tresor Rare and PS Paul Smith, among others, have set up their shops here.

While the luxury retail market is constantly thriving, Macao’s street shopping scene is also becoming a craze among international tourists. If you are looking to enjoy some pocket-friendly shopping options, then head to Taipa Flea Market near Bombeiros Square in Taipa or Senado Square buzzing with lifestyle stores and food stalls.

Entertainment in Macao

Macao justifies the tag of being the “Las Vegas of Asia” with its slew of entertainment venues showcasing international and local performances all through the year. One amongst these is the Cotai Arena, a 15,000-seater mega stadium at The Venetian Macao hosting performances by A-listers like Maroon 5, Celine Dion and Katy Perry. Another striking venue is The Parisian Theatre organising classic symphonies and comic performances.   

However, you can’t come to Macao and not enjoy The House of Dancing Water show at City of Dreams. This water-based show uses 3.7 gallons of water to put up a spectacle featuring acrobatic stunts and original acts.

A few other family entertainment options include Aqua World and Qube Kingdom at The Parisian Macao and Thomas and The Little Big Club at Sands Cotai Central.

Culinary scene in Macao

Macao’s food culture is an interesting amalgamation of Asian, Portuguese and Macanese cuisine. The SAR enjoys the status of being “A Creative City of Gastronomy” titled by UNESCO.

A popular snack of Macao is the egg tart, a buttery, flaky pastry shell filled with rich creamy custard. Lord Stow’s Bakery at the Coloane Town Square serves the best egg tarts in the region. Another favourite delicacy is the roast black pepper duck which one must try at Chan Kong Kei eatery.

In addition to this, there are tons of Asian diners in Macao, highlighting regional cuisines from the mainland and the widely-savoured dim sum and shaved ice.

For those seeking a more elevated dining experience featuring local flavours, there is the North at The Venetian Macao, serving traditional cuisines from the Dongbei and Sichuan regions. Then, there is The Ritz-Carlton Bar and Lounge that transforms from a high-tea space in the afternoon to a lively lounge at night serving cocktails and signature gin-based drinks.

Nisha Shroff and Sanchita Nambiar 

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