Sands China officially launched the 2021 Sands Shopping Carnival Friday at The Venetian Macao, which has 10 percent more booths than last year’s event.
The popular weekend shopping and leisure hotspot is back for a second year, after last year’s inaugural event welcomed more than 100,000 visitors.
The carnival is the largest sale event in Macao and is open to the public noon to 10 p.m. daily, July 23-25 at Cotai Expo Halls A and B. Carnival visitors can use the free parking at Cotai Expo, or take complimentary shuttle buses to and from the carnival and various points throughout the city: Luso International Banking Ltd. Head Office, iSquare (Iao Hon) and Taipa Central Park.
“Come rain or shine, Sands China remains unwavering in our commitment to uphold the business philosophy of supporting the growth of SMEs,” said Dr. Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China Ltd. “We have not forgotten our roots, and are glad to once again provide a quality business platform – spanning diverse industries and fields such as distinctive shops, old Macao stores, IP-protected brands and food specialties – for local SMEs and Sands retailers amid the pandemic, thereby helping promote Macao’s image as a ‘safe tourist destination.’
Gathering feedback from exhibitors and attendees last year, we have made this year’s carnival even better in scale and layout, range of activities, and overall experience. The company is grateful for the continued support of the Central and Macao governments, and our thanks go to the Macao Chamber of Commerce, the Economic and Technological Development Bureau, the Macao Government Tourism Office, the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, the Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, and all of the event sponsors and supporters.”
Besides keeping booths free for exhibitors, Sands China added 10 per cent more booths this year, totalling over 560. The company also expanded the children’s area and food court, and added a Macao Original IP Zone and Green Lifestyle Zone in pace with social development trends. The carnival also accepts various wireless payment methods for the convenience of both local residents and tourists.
The 2021 Sands Shopping Carnival is organised by Sands China Ltd., co-organised by the Macao Chamber of Commerce, supported by the Economic and Technological Development Bureau, the Macao Government Tourism Office, and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, and sponsored by Bank of China, ICBC, BNU, and Bank of Communications.
The carnival’s opening ceremony on Friday was officiated by Zuo Xianghua, deputy director general of the Economic Affairs Department of the Central People’s Government Liaison Office in the Macao SAR; Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Lau Kit Lon, acting head of the Economic Activities Development Department of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau; Vincent U, executive director of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM); Chan Ioc Sut, head of the Research and Investigation Department of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau; Chui; Stephen Ieong, managing director of Bank of China Macau Branch; Huang Xianjun, deputy chief executive officer of ICBC (Macau); Carlos Cid Alvares, chief executive officer of BNU Macau; Xia Ying, vice president of Bank of Communications; Dr. Wong; Grant Chum, chief operating officer of Sands China Ltd.; and Dave Sun, senior vice president and chief financial officer of Sands China Ltd.
