Inspiring travel to Macao

Small is beautiful, and Macao’s compact geography enables ease of travel to its many attractions, venues and landmarks. Coupled with the juxtaposition of its rich cultural heritage with innovative promotions and festivals to lure varying tourism demographics, the SAR is set to win travellers back when borders reopen

Inspiring travel to Macao
Aerial view of Macao

Small is beautiful, and Macao’s compact geography enables ease of travel to its many attractions, venues and landmarks. Coupled with the juxtaposition of its rich cultural heritage with innovative promotions and festivals to lure varying tourism demographics, the SAR is set to win travellers back when borders reopen

A hive of activity

Opening ceremony at Beijing Macao Week

Macao has taken its first steps in resuming tourism, with the “Beijing Macao Week” held on September 26. The first large-scale travel trade event to be held since the pandemic, it focuses on offline promotion activities and products in attracting more mainland tourists to the territory.

Since the resumption of travel permits in August, mainland Chinese visitors, as well as local residents, have been rediscovering the city with a tapestry of events and activities which MGTO has partnered local tourism players in putting together. 

At the top of the list is the sixth “Macao Light Festival 2020 – Light Carnival”. Amongst a host of other fringe activities and interactive games, innovative light artistry illuminate different districts in the city by night, showcasing Macao’s local culture and history.

Projection mapping technology illuminating St Paul’s Ruins

Partnering local associations, “Light and Colour at Cathedral Parish”, “Fun Journey at our Lady of Fatima Parish” and Lusofonia festival will play up on Macao’s strong Portuguese heritage. For gastronomes and art lovers, there is the 20th Macau Food Festival and MO2049 – Sci-fi works by Ricardo Lima at Taipa Village art space, cementing Macao’s position as UNESCO Creative City.

Arroz De Marisco, an epitome of Portuguese comfort food

Wrapping up the year, the troves of exciting events such as Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo, Macau Grand Prix, and the International Film Festival & Awards will encourage further tourism buzz to the SAR.

Fresh appeal

Four new hotels – Holiday Inn Express, Lisboeta Macau, The Londoner Macao, and Grand Lisboa Palace – are lined up to open into 2021, providing a wider array of accommodation options when international borders are reopened. In welcoming the new travelscape ahead, we curate seven guest experiences designed to enthrall visitors, be it their sojourn, or return visit to Macao:

The House of Dancing Water at City of Dreams

1. City of Dreams – The House of Dancing Water
This aquatic acrobatic extravaganza is now reeling in diving enthusiasts and adventure seekers with a behind the scenes tour to the magic 9m below the surface. Packages range from a diving tour to experience the moving set and iconic props, a free-diving lesson to 7m deep, scuba or free diving certification courses, to photo opportunities with a mermaid.

2. AJ Hackett Macau Tower – Tandem bungy jump
Grab a friend, family member, or even an AJ crew member, and take a tandem plunge on the world’s highest commercial bungy jump at 233m while taking in exhilarating views of downtown Macao. Participants must weigh a minimum of 40kg, with combined weight not exceeding 135kg.

3. MGM Cotai – Guided art tour
Another draw for art appreciators, the resort houses one of Macao’s largest art collection at 300 pieces. Displayed throughout the hotel, artworks range from Qing antique carpets to works commissioned by Asia’s contemporary artists. Tours are available on request at the hotel lobby, don’t miss the Chairman’s Collection – a selection of more than 40 paintings, sculptures and installations with the underlying philosophy of bridging East and West tradition with innovation.

4. MGM Macau – Sino-Portuguese Cultural Experience
This 30-minute tour begins at the miniature Grande Praça Lisbon, where the romantic setting makes for a great photo opportunity. There will also be workshops on Portuguese art, architecture, food, music and handicrafts in providing insights into the unique Macanese culture. This free experience runs from now until December 31.

5. Parisian Macao – Al fresco dining
What better than to picnic under blue skies and the spell of la Tour Eiffel? From now till November 30, The Parisian Macao brings Paris to Macao at its authentic French garden. “Parisian Picnic at Le Jardin” provides a gourmet picnic experience, which includes a curation of French inspired cuisine. Those craving for a glass of elegant bubbly may opt for Champagne at an additional cost.

6. António Restaurant
There’s a new chef at António. Since joining the Taipa village favourite this year, David Abreau has been whipping up new interpretations of traditional Portuguese delicacies. He plans to launch more tasting menus that promise diners a “delightful symphony of flavours” from the freshest ingredients. The 3-storey outlet also houses a rooftop terrace with impeccable views of the quaint village, with seating for 8-10 guests.

7. The Londoner Macao experience (Opening 2021)
Sands China’s third themed integrated resort will encapsulate retail, entertainment and hospitality experience within the setting of Victorian London with recreations of landmarks such as the iconic Palace of Westminster and Houses of Parliament; complete with the replica of 96m Elizabeth Tower and spectacular clock face. Its gardens are inspired by the Kensington Palace, and guests will arrive at the glass-canopied Porte Cochere, modelled after the famed Victoria Station.

For more information and updated travel advisories, visit Macao Government Tourism Office

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