- 2024 Sands Shopping Carnival attracted record-breaking visitation.
- The carnival provided a free business platform for local SMEs and Sands retailers.
The 2024 Sands Shopping Carnival, held over four days in July at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo, attracted a record-breaking 120,000 visitors. This grand event combined shopping, fun activities and performances.
Featuring over 580 booths across nine exhibition zones, the carnival included Sands retailers, household products, parenting and family products, gourmet food and wine, a food court, green living, Macau cultural and creative initiatives, play and fun options, and Macau specialties and souvenirs. There were 325 booths for Macau SME suppliers the highest in the event’s history.
Daily highlights included limited products for just MOP1 and international brand discounts of up to 90%. Visitors enjoyed all-day free parking and free shuttle bus services to and from the venue and other locations.
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from the government, finance, business and community services sectors.
Dr Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China, highlighted the company’s strong partnership with the Macau SAR Government and the Macao Chamber of Commerce, and emphasized its unwavering support of SMEs.
“The Sands Shopping Carnival is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year,” he said, “Over these five years, Sands China has maintained a steadfast partnership with the Macau SAR Government, the Macao Chamber of Commerce and other supporting entities, providing relentless support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through this platform without seeking any financial return. Together, we have successfully created nearly 2,800 exhibition booths over the years.”
“This year also marks the momentous 20th anniversary of Sands Macao. As a long-standing pillar of Macau’s business landscape, we have deep ties with the local community. Our commitment to supporting local SMEs is unwavering, and we embrace the philosophy of growing with SMEs. Year after year, we have organized the Sands Shopping Carnival, fostering mutual assistance and collaboration across various sectors in Macau.”
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), noted that 48% of visitor expenditure in the first quarter was on shopping, and stressed the importance of exceptional shopping experiences in enhancing overall travel satisfaction.
“Delivering exceptional shopping experiences is therefore crucial for enhancing the overall travel experience of tourists,” she said, “It is essential for the retail service industry to catch up with market demands by continuously introducing products that cater to customers’ preferences and providing meticulous and personalized services.”
U Kin Cho, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Macao Chamber of Commerce, praised Sands China’s commitment to supporting SME growth.
“For five consecutive years, Sands China has organized the Sands Shopping Carnival, a remarkable event that serves as a free business platform for SMEs,” he said. “This event helps them expand their market presence and create new business opportunities. The Sands Shopping Carnival has been a resounding success, attracting over 100,000 participants annually. It has become one of the largest discount sale events in Macau and a renowned signature event in the local retail industry.”
“We firmly believe that with the active involvement of major corporations like Sands China, and the determined efforts of SMEs in their own transformation and upgrading, Macau will undoubtedly regain its economic vitality.”
Sands stated that the Sands Shopping Carnival, an annual brand event, supports the Macau SAR government’s “tourism+” strategy and provides a free platform for local SMEs and Sands retailers to promote post-pandemic economic revival by featuring both local and international brands.
Increasing participation of local social enterprises
The Food Court at the Sands Shopping Carnival featured four social enterprises that offer vocational training: Corner of Portuguese Cuisine by Fuhong Society of Macau; Sam Meng Chi Snack Shop by the Macau Association for Intellectual Development Services; Dream of Sexagenarian by Macau Special Olympics; and Hold On to Hope by the Association of Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers. Additionally, Tung Sin Tong offered herbal tea and soup packs at the Gourmet and Wine Zone. The carnival was an opportunity for these projects to gain exposure in the local commercial market and create job opportunities for their members.
At the carnival’s Macao Cultural and Creative Zone, 10 community organizations showcased their work, including Fuhong Society of Macau, the Association of Parents of the People with Intellectual Disabilities of Macau, Everyone Stray Dogs Macau Volunteer Group, Macau Special Olympics, the Macau Association for Intellectual Development Services, The Corner Shop of Richmond Fellowship of Macau, The Methodist Church Macau, Sheng Kung Hui Youth Works, Noah Family Mutual Aid Association, and Bosco Green Store of Bosco Youth Service Network.
Sands Cares Ambassadors were present to ensure members of community groups enjoyed the carnival. They took members of Caritas Macau’s Fountain of Love and Joy Integrated Family Service Center for go-karting and games, and accompanied families from the Macau Child Development Association to participate in the BOC Smart Kids Presents: Little Master Chef Workshop. This popular activity drew over 530 participants, with Sands China’s food and beverage team guiding children and parents in making tacos, spring rolls, sushi and more.
Macau Special Olympics members took on journalist and editor roles, conducting interviews, taking photos, filming videos and producing a special report on the carnival.
Highlight events included the “ICBC ePay Presents: National Essence: Hanfu Styling Contest” and the new “Bank of Communications Presents: Rising Stars: 2024 Kids Talent Showdown,” both attracting participants from the Greater Bay Area and adding spectacular entertainment to the carnival.
The event also emphasized environmental protection efforts. Sands ECO360 Ambassadors, alongside members of the local NGO Green Future, taught practical recycling techniques for cardboard, plastics and metals. An eco-counter at the venue distributed used items like laundry baskets and weighing scales to visitors who made purchases, promoting sustainable practices.
Sands stated that the carnival has witnessed a continuous increase in the number of participating community organizations, encompassing a diverse range of areas including culture, creativity, and food and beverage. This trend reflects the transformation of the carnival into a grand shopping extravaganza, unifying all sectors in Macau.
Sands China also mentioned that in the five years since its inception in 2020, the Sands Shopping Carnival has attracted over 540,000 visitors.