The “2025 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao” concluded at the weekend after attracting about 100,000 attendees over nine days, according to a statement by the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) yesterday.
The culinary event, originally scheduled to run until Sunday, ended a day early due to Typhoon “Wipha”, which triggered the hoisting of Macau’s highest Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal, No.10, on Sunday.
The statement noted that this year’s festival set a new participation record, with delegates from 35 of the world’s 56 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy gathering in Macau, an increase from last year’s figures. Centred on the theme “Spices and Herbs,” the event featured three main highlights: the “International Gastronomy Promenade”, the “City of Gastronomy Showcase”, and the “International Gastronomy Forum, Macao”.
MGTO promoted the festival across 28 official social media platforms, including WeChat, Weibo, and Instagram, generating 7.8 million impressions and three million views. The statement said 37 influencers from overseas, the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong helped amplify coverage, producing seven live streams and 58 promotional posts that reached over 29.4 million users. An interactive WeChat game also drew 227,530 participants, while partnerships with local e-payment platforms offered special promotions.
The International Gastronomy Promenade featured 105 food booths from 15 Creative Cities of Gastronomy, serving global delicacies alongside 186 cultural performances, according to the statement. Meanwhile, the City of Gastronomy Showcase hosted 52 culinary demonstrations by chefs from 29 cities, distributing around 2,900 food samples. “The International Gastronomy Forum, Macao”, held on July 14, gathered over 250 attendees, including chefs, scholars, and tourism professionals, with keynote speeches from two award-winning chefs.
The statement added that 201 delegates from Creative Cities of Gastronomy and Chinese member cities of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network visited local restaurants, while chefs from 13 Creative Cities of Gastronomy collaborated with Macau’s integrated resorts on culinary projects. Representatives from Sweden and Portugal also met with Macau universities to discuss future partnerships.
According to MGTO, the festival aligned with Macau’s economic diversification strategy, reinforcing its role as an international exchange platform and supporting the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Visitor and resident feedback rated overall satisfaction at a “satisfied” level, the statement noted.
This undated handout photo provided by the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) yesterday shows chefs Thomas Tyler (left) and Corbin James posing with festivalgoers at the “2025 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao”, at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf.
