In May of 2024, representatives from the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) attended the inaugural UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Annual Conference in Phuket, Thailand. The conference took place from May 10th to 12th and brought together member cities from the UNESCO Creative Cities Network that specialize in gastronomy. The event provided a platform for attendees to engage in meaningful discussions and share best practices for advancing as creative cities of gastronomy.
The conference’s program included keynote speeches, panel discussions, and charrette activities, all centered around the theme of gastronomy. Attendees discussed topics such as organic tourism models for sustainable development, strategies for eliminating food waste in the catering industry, and addressing climate change through gastronomic heritage. The Governor of Phuket, Sophon Suwannarat, welcomed participants at the opening, with Chada Thaised, Deputy Minister of the Interior of Thailand, among the distinguished attendees.
Macao’s delegation was led by Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, MGTO Director and Macao SAR’s focal point for the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Along with representatives from approximately 20 other Creative Cities of Gastronomy, they shared initiatives aimed at steering gastronomic development towards greater sustainability and innovation. By learning from the successful experiences of fellow member cities, Macao aims to make further progress as a City of Gastronomy, contributing to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
As a demonstration of their commitment to sustainable development, participants engaged in mangrove planting in Phuket. Since receiving the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation in 2017, Macao has implemented an action plan to enhance its culinary reputation. This plan includes hosting the annual “Macao・Creative City of Gastronomy” meeting, submitting its first four-year monitoring report in 2021, and actively engaging in collaborative and educational events with other UCCN member cities.
A major upcoming event is the “Celebrations of the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao SAR – International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao,” scheduled for mid-June 2024. This inaugural festival will feature a gathering of gastronomic cities from around the globe, showcasing global culinary cultures while highlighting Macao’s unique blend of tourism and gastronomy.
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network was established in 2004 and has since expanded rapidly to encompass seven creative fields, including 56 Cities of Gastronomy globally. China boasts the most cities in this category, with six members: Chengdu, Shunde, Macao, Yangzhou, Huai’an, and Chaozhou.
