Organised by Sands China and co-organised by the Macao Chamber of Commerce, the Sands Shopping Carnival kicked off on Thursday at The Venetian Macao with an opening ceremony attended by representatives from the government, finance, business, and community services sectors.
As Sands China’s annual signature event, the Sands Shopping Carnival has run for six consecutive years. The carnival helps local SMEs and Sands retailers create more business opportunities through a free business platform, while also providing residents and tourists with an activity-filled weekend destination.
“With the Sands Shopping Carnival entering its sixth edition, it has become a summer rendezvous for Macao residents,” said Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd. “This initiative has been driven by its original mission from the pandemic to support local SMEs by providing them a free business platform. The unique model of housing local SMEs and Sands retailers under one roof creates a powerful synergy. We have provided nearly 3,400 booths to date, with 540,000 visitors over the past five editions of the carnival, delivering significant sales growth for many local SMEs.”
“The Sands Shopping Carnival has become a tourism and leisure extravaganza and what began as an attraction primarily for visitors from Macao, Hong Kong and Zhuhai has now expanded to draw crowds from across the Greater Bay Area. I would like to express my genuine gratitude to the participating government officials, associations, banking professionals, SMEs, and community organisation representatives for your support of the Sands Shopping Carnival. Our concerted efforts are what make this widely anticipated, signature tourism and leisure extravaganza a success each year.”
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, added: “The Macao SAR government is committed to promoting diversified development in the tourism and leisure industry, striving to refine and strengthen integrated resorts’ offerings. Shopping remains a pivotal component of the tourism experience. Last month, the China Tourism Academy announced its ‘2024 Top 10 Outbound Tourist Satisfaction Destinations,’ with Macao ranking at the top position for the first time – an achievement made possible by the concerted efforts of the Macao community. We encourage the retail sector to closely align with market demands, continuously introduce products that resonate with customer preferences, and deliver attentive services to solidify Macao’s position as a world centre of tourism and leisure.”
U Kin Cho, vice president of the board of directors of the Macao Chamber of Commerce, commented: “Now in its sixth consecutive year, the Sands Shopping Carnival is showcasing an ever-growing reputation. This event has evolved into a local shopping staple and a magnet for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in Macao’s distinctive allure. Such achievements underscore Sands China’s unwavering dedication to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with local SMEs. The company generously offers a platform for SMEs to exhibit and sell their products at no cost, sharing resources to forge new opportunities as part of their corporate social responsibility.”
“This ongoing commitment injects dynamic vigour into Macao’s economic landscape, promoting diversification and bolstering its esteemed reputation. The carnival steadfastly upholds the ethos of ‘tourism +’ by integrating various sectors, including food, beverage, leisure, and entertainment, across a vibrant four-day affair. Anticipated to emerge as a prominent summer retail destination, it is poised to propel Macao towards a future characterised by diversified industrial growth. Sands China’s collaborative efforts with us epitomise a shared vision to invigorate Macao’s economic vitality.
Free to enter, the 2025 Sands Shopping Carnival is open to the public daily from noon to 10 p.m. this Friday-Sunday, after an invitation-only preview session on Thursday, July 17.
Free parking is available for exhibition-goers, and complimentary shuttle buses are running routes between the carnival and various points throughout the city: Luso International Bank Building at Nam Van, Border Gate, and Hengqin Port (Macao side).
The Sands Shopping Carnival features a variety of shopping, an international-cuisine food court area, and family-friendly entertainment, activities and games. Carnival highlights include:
- Over 580 booths across eight exhibition zones, featuring over 260,000 products, including 5,500 MOP 1 items daily and discounts up to 90 percent
- Bank of Communications Co., Ltd. Macau Branch Presents: Greater Bay Area Kids Top Model Contest, where children and youth ages 5-16 from Macao and cities in the Greater Bay Area will unleash their vibrant energy and challenge themselves in the spotlight
- ICBC ePay Presents: Greater Bay Area Karaoke King Singing Competition returns for contestants ages 16 years or older from Macao and the Greater Bay Area to charm the audience with their singing skills
- BOC Smart Kids Presents: Little Master Chef Workshop is back, with Sands China’s food and beverage team leading this free food-prep and decorating activity for children, inspiring them to unleash their culinary talent
- Food Court featuring regional and international dishes, with free eco-friendly utensils available
The 2025 Sands Shopping Carnival is organised by Sands China Ltd. and co-organised by the Macao Chamber of Commerce (MCC), with the full support of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT), the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), and the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM). It is sponsored by BOC Macau, ICBC (Macau), Bank of Communications Co., Ltd. Macau Branch, and BNU.
