Integrated resort operator Wynn has recently collaborated with renowned Chinese master chef Xue Quansheng to reimagine a royal banquet and host a masterclass. The events aimed to celebrate the intangible cultural heritage of Chinese gastronomy while solidifying Macau’s position as a top international travel destination.

In partnership with the Yangzhou Cuisine and Catering Industry Association, Wynn invited Chef Xue to Macau as a guest chef for the Emperor Qianlong’s “Culinary Journey to the South” Royal Banquet held at the Wynn Macau Grand Ballroom on June 15–16.

A culinary team led by Chef Xue, who is ranked among China’s top 10 celebrity chefs and is an expert in Huaiyang cuisine, prepared a sumptuous menu consisting of 36 dishes for the banquet. Huaiyang cuisine, renowned as one of the four great traditions in Chinese cuisine, originated from the culinary styles of the Huai and Yangtze rivers region.

“The Royal Banquet has given our guests an opportunity to experience how China’s extraordinary history and intangible cultural heritage are closely intertwined, while also strengthening Macau’s role as ‘a base for cultural exchange and cooperation where Chinese culture is the mainstream and diverse cultures coexist’,” Linda Chen, the president, President, Vice Chairman and Executive Directo of Wynn Macau, stated.

The menu for the royal banquet drew inspiration from historical records documenting Emperor Qianlong’s six inspection tours during the Qing Dynasty in the southern regions of the Yangtze River. Chef Xue and his team added modern and innovative twists to the dishes.

Notable items from the menu included the exquisitely prepared Velvet Flower Tofu Soup, which showcased the chefs’ intricate knife skills, the Royal Artisan Fruit Platter, and the Stewed Ducks and Pigeon Soup featuring seven distinct flavours.

To enhance the banquet experience, Wynn arranged performances that incorporated culinary storytelling. The chefs also showcased their culinary artistry by demonstrating their Huaiyang knife skills and preparing authentic Yangzhou-style fried rice.

“This event has also given us the unique opportunity to promote the profound traditional culture of China on an international level,” Wynn’s Chen remarked. “[It also helps] encourage greater cross-integration of culture and tourism, add to the allure of Macau as a rich cultural destination, and contribute to the growth of economic diversification for the city.”

In addition to the banquet, Chef Xue hosted a culinary masterclass attended by about 30 students from the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) and members of the Wynn Food & Beverage Academy. The academy was established by Wynn Macau to provide its employees with professional and vocational training in relevant areas.

“The Masterclass served as an excellent platform for the exchange of knowledge in gastronomy and was designed to lead the way for a more diversified and professional developmental approach for the future growth of Macau’s food and beverage industry,” Wynn said in a statement.

Culinary fest

Both the banquet and the masterclass, supported by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and UTM, took place, as MGTO hosted the first-ever “International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao” between June 14 and 23 in the city.

The 10-day festival featured representatives from 29 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy from 18 countries and regions, in addition to Macau, which is also a Creative City of Gastronomy. The Fest attracted about 107,000 participants and boasted about 100 culinary booths, 60 sessions of culinary showcases, and a gastronomy forum.

As one of the co-organisers of the festival, Wynn set up a culinary exhibition booth at the Fest to showcase Macanese cuisine and collaborated with renowned Macanese chef Raymond Vong to host cooking demonstrations.

“Through events such as these, Wynn aims to leverage Macau’s unique role as an East-West cultural destination and international platform,” the integrated resort operator said in the statement, referring to the city’s recent designation as the “Culture City of East Asia”.

Earlier this month, the Macau government announced that the city had been selected as the “Culture City of East Asia 2025.” This annual initiative, jointly launched by China, Japan, and South Korea, highlights the historical and cultural heritage of these three countries. Each year, one or two cities from each country are nominated and selected as the Culture Cities of East Asia.

“[These events can help] promote the exchange of knowledge and forge new collaborations in culture and tourism, showcase Macau as a ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ and ‘Culture City of East Asia’ on a global level, and elevate the city’s reputation as an attractive international destination,” Wynn added.

*This article is part of the MNA Wynn Macau Tourism Plus Partnership Series 

The Rua da Felicidade Pedestrian Zone in downtown Macau has been transformed into a platform to showcase the creativity of local fashion labels, as integrated resort operator Wynn aims to provide a unique fashion and cultural tourism experience for both residents and tourists.

The “Rua da Felicidade Fashion Week” is an initiative organised by Wynn in collaboration with the Macau Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre (CPTTM), and the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST).

To kick off the event, a fashion show was held on Friday, May 3, at the pedestrian area of this historic street, featuring 70 outfits from the 2024 spring/summer collections of 10 Macau fashion brands. These brands were selected through an earlier open call.

In addition to the fashion show, selected works and information from these 10 Macau fashion brands are exhibited at the Rua da Felicidade Pedestrian Zone from now until June 2.

“These product displays are designed to give visitors a window into the stylish world of Macau fashion, boost the visibility of local fashion brands, and generate more business leads,” Wynn said in a press statement. 

The fashion week aims to “showcase the latest creations from Macau’s fashion brands, revitalise businesses in the community through arts and culture, and offer a unique fashion and cultural tourism experience for Macau locals and visitors,” the operator added. 

The Rua da Felicidade Pedestrian Zone is a community project launched by Wynn in collaboration with the Macau government in September last year. It supports the government’s “1+4” moderate diversification development strategy. Located next to the city’s main thoroughfare, Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, the pedestrian zone offers a variety of new attractions and amenities designed to attract visitors and boost business turnover in the district.

Linking Macau brands to the world

The fashion show on Friday was attended and officiated by government officials, community representatives, and Wynn executives. Among the distinguished guests were Leong Wai Man, Director of the Macau Cultural Affairs Bureau; Lao Ngai Leong, Macau Deputy to the National People’s Congress and President of the Advisory Committee for CPTTM; Chan Ka Leong, member of the Macau Executive Council and Director General of the General Union of Neighborhood Associations of Macau; Linda Chen, President, Vice Chairman, and Executive Director of Wynn Macau; and others.

In addition to the selected local fashion brands, some undergraduate students from MUST also showcased their designs at the Friday fashion show.

Isabella Choi, the designer behind Nega C. Fashion, one of the 10 selected fashion brands, expressed her excitement at seeing her designs displayed on Rua da Felicidade. Nega C. Fashion, established in 2011, is a leisurewear brand designed for women.

“We have participated in some street shows before, but it is the first time for us to join a show of this grand scale with other fashion brands,” Choi said. “It’s a remarkable experience.”

“Many people attended and watched the fashion show today, so it’s a really good promotional opportunity for small brands like ours,” she added. “As our designs reflect the fashion styles of women in Macau, it’s a perfect fit for our brand to be featured in the Rua da Felicidade Fashion Week.”

Kitty Ng, the designer of local haute couture brand La Mode Désir, shares a similar perspective. The brand’s spring/summer 2024 collection focuses on qipao, also known as cheongsam, a traditional Chinese dress for women that has evolved over the centuries.

“Rua da Felicidade is an antique street in the city, and qipao perfectly matches the ambiance of this street. That’s why we came up with these designs for the fashion show,” Ng explained. “It’s truly a precious opportunity for us to be part of this.”

“[This event] can help promote the designs of Macau fashion brands because many tourists visit this district,” Ng continued. “Through this activity, I’m confident that not only locals but also travellers will become more aware of us and the Macau fashion scene.”

More activities for  Labour Day holiday

Furthermore, during the Labour Day Golden Week holiday from April 29 to May 5, Wynn is also organising a series of exciting activities at the Rua da Felicidade Pedestrian Zone. These include an outdoor market showcasing cultural and creative products, cultural performances, and cultural tours. Complimentary shuttle bus services are also provided by the operator during this period, connecting Wynn Macau and Rua Das Estalagens.

“The goal is to give locals and tourists an opportunity to truly experience the vibrancy of Rua da Felicidade, while also promoting economic diversification for the community,” Wynn stated.

“Through arts and culture, Wynn hopes to entice more visitors to Macau and the [Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau] Greater Bay Area with the addition of rich new tourism experiences and vibrant festivities,” the operator added. “Wynn will continue to enrich Macau’s cultural tourism offerings and expand the cross-sector integration of ‘tourism+’ to boost the city’s economy and the sustainable development of the tourism industry in the long run.”

*This article is part of the MNA Wynn Macau Tourism Plus Partnership Series 

The winners of the inaugural edition of the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, the world’s biggest Chinese wine competition of international standard organised by Wynn, were unveiled in Macau on Saturday (April 13). The Fei Tswei Marselan Reserve 2021 from the Chinese northern central region of Ningxia was crowned as the “Best Wine of China.”

This awards initiative underscores Wynn’s commitment to championing Chinese quality wines and wineries while consolidating the city’s reputation as a gastronomic destination and supporting its “tourism +” development, the integrated operator said.

The awards ceremony took place at the Wynn Palace on Saturday night, with 500 international and regional industry experts and media representatives in attendance. A total of 23 awards were presented among over 700 submissions from about 200 premium wineries in China.

“The newly launched Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards aims to promote outstanding Chinese wines and showcase Macau and Wynn’s world-class hospitality,” Linda Chen, President, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of Wynn Macau, said in her remarks during the ceremony. 

“We have created the much-anticipated awards ceremony to serve as a global platform to allow wine experts from various regions in China to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and promote Chinese wines on a larger international stage,” she continued. “Through leveraging Macau’s strong position as the Creative City of Gastronomy and capitalising on the city’s role as the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, we gather the top Chinese wineries and quality wine industry stakeholders to showcase the edge of the Chinese brand.”

In view of Macau’s ongoing efforts to explore more tourism and leisure offerings and attract more international visitors, the local authorities are delighted to see initiatives like the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards.

“MGTO [Macao Government Tourism Office] is pleased to see that Macau’s integrated tourism and leisure enterprises are proactively organising a wide range of events and activities together with their industry peers,” Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of MGTO, said in the ceremony. 

“This strengthens Macau’s position as the City of Gastronomy and enriches its offerings as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, thereby promoting the sustainable development of Macau’s tourism industry and related industries,” the official added.

Gathering industry experts

In the evaluation of over 700 submissions from about 200 Chinese wineries, a panel of 27 internationally acclaimed wine judges was formed, including seven Masters of Wine, three Master Sommeliers, winemakers, educators, journalists, hoteliers, and wine buyers. The Masters of Wine, such as Fongyee Walker, Gus Zhu, Andrew Caillard, and award-winning winemaker Eddie McDougall, were among the panel.

Prior to the ceremony held on Saturday, the 27 judges were invited to Macau in early March to taste, assess, and rank the submissions for 23 trophies in three major categories: “Wynn Signature Trophies,” “Varietals Champion Trophies,” and “Regional Champion Trophies.” These divisions aim to honour China’s most talented winemakers while recognising the breadth of major varietal expressions and regional diversity in China, according to the organiser.

“It’s unprecedented to have such a large-scale and high-standard contest of Chinese wines on a global stage,” said Wynn Macau’s Chen in an interview with the media on the sidelines of the ceremony.

“Leveraging Macau as a platform, we hope more consumers and wine enthusiasts, whether they are Mainland Chinese or international tourists, can recognise and understand the robust development of the Chinese wine industry and the quality of Chinese wine,” she added.

The awards initiative is just one part of Wynn’s efforts to advocate Chinese wines on a global stage. “This competition gives a huge boost to the promotion of Chinese wine on an international scale. Following the competition, we will also promote the award-winning wines in our international hotels and host more wine-related activities,” Chen explained.

More post-awards activities 

Alongside the ceremony, Wynn organised a wide array of Chinese wine pairing tasting events and masterclasses over the weekend. These included a Chinese Wine Forum, where experts discussed the development of the Chinese wine industry.

Furthermore, Wynn will host the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Month promotion in May. During this month, guests can indulge in specially curated wine pairing tasting menus at Wynn’s dining venues, such as Chef Tam’s Seasons, Lakeview Palace, SW Steakhouse, and Mizumi at Wynn Palace, as well as Golden Flower, Wing Lei, Lakeside Trattoria, and Mizumi at Wynn Macau.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to taste the award-winning wines at various bars of Wynn including Palace Reserve Club, Cinnebar, Bar Cristal, and Wing Lei Bar.

The award-winning wines will also receive the “Wynn Signature Award” label and be invited to participate in national masterclasses, hospitality and consumer events, media tastings, and major banquets, Wynn added. 

These initiatives and events highlight Macau’s strengths as the Creative City of Gastronomy, a world centre of tourism and leisure, and a Chinese-meets-West hub, remarked Chen. “These initiatives bring together the cultures of gastronomy and wine, the Chinese and Western cultures, and the resources between Mainland China and Macau,” she added.

Following the success of the inaugural edition, Wynn also announced that registration for the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards 2025 will commence on May 1, 2024.

*This article is part of the MNA Wynn Macau Tourism Plus Partnership Series 

From community activities in the city’s downtown to concerts and special Chinese New Year culinary delights, integrated resort operator Wynn has prepared a diverse range of festivities to celebrate the Year of the Dragon and underscore Macau’s appeal as a tourism destination. 

One of the highlights of Wynn’s fun-packed Chinese New Year programme is the “Chilam In The House Music Live” concerts, featuring renowned Hong Kong artist Cheung Chi-lam. Cheung, acclaimed for his impressive vocals and his roles in movies and TV shows, will perform at Wynn Macau on February 12, the third day of Chinese New Year, and at Wynn Palace on February 14, the fifth day of Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.

Community efforts

In support of the Macau government’s vision of hosting diverse events throughout the Chinese New Year and attracting more visitors to local neighbourhoods for the development of the community economy, Wynn has also planned various festivities at the Rua da Felicidade Pedestrian Zone.

From February 10 to 18 and February 23 to 25, the pedestrian zone will be adorned with festive Chinese New Year decorations, showcase traditional cultural performances, and host a lively handicrafts market.Visitors to the pedestrian zone can also enjoy festive delicacies such as specialty cocktails and limited-edition Chinese New Year cookies.

Meanwhile, the God of Wealth will make appearances on the street from February 10 to 14, spreading good fortune and blessings to residents and tourists.“Through the series of festive activities, delicious delicacies, and cocktails, Wynn hopes to give visitors and local residents a deeper insight into the unique character of Macau’s historic neighbourhoods… [and] share in the joy and excitement of celebrating Chinese New Year together with locals,” the operator said in a statement. The Rua da Felicidade Pedestrian Zone, launched last September, is a community-driven initiative by Wynn in collaboration with the Macau government. The project seeks to revitalise the historic district of Rua da Felicidade in downtown Macau through various art, cultural, and leisure activities.

Parade and performances

In addition, Wynn will also participate in the “Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Dragon 2024”, hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office on February 12 and 17. The Wynn float design showcases the iconic Wynn SkyCab and a golden dragon, symbolising the dragon taking flight to bring good fortune to everyone. Along Rua da Felicidade, performers will lead a joyful celebration during the days of the parade.To extend best wishes for the Year of the Dragon, Wynn will arrange dragon and lion dances, along with the lighting of firecrackers, at both Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace on February 17 and 18.

Festive delicacies

At the two properties of Wynn, a series of Chinese New Year-themed culinary delights await visitors. Wing Lei, the Michelin-starred two-star Cantonese restaurant, offers sautéed Macau sole fillet and crispy bones with black moss and truffle. Meanwhile, Golden Flower, the Forbes Five-Star restaurant, serves Northern hot pot with seafood and lamb, while Café Esplanada caters a Chinese New Year afternoon tea set and a buffet.

Festive menus are also available at more dining outlets, such as the dish of abalone, superior sea cucumber, semi-dried oyster, and chicken served in a cast iron cocotte at Chef Tam’s Seasons. Lakeview Palace also delivers the “Yushang” abalone prosperity salad, while Sweets presents the limited-edition Year of the Dragon: milk Milk Chocolate and Mandarin Cake.

Furthermore, Wynn has crafted sets of four Chinese New Year Festive Cakes, including turnip cake, taro cake, sweet coconut cake, and water chestnut cake, packaged in designed gift boxes. These boxes can be reused as jewellery boxes, highlighting Wynn’s commitment to sustainability, the operator said in the statement.The Chinese New Year holiday is one of the peak travel seasons for tourists from Mainland China, spanning from February 10 to 17 on the mainland in 2024. The Macau government expects the city to receive a daily average of 120,000 daily during this eight-day holiday period.

*This article is part of the MNA Wynn Macau Tourism Plus Partnership Series 

Integrated resort operator Wynn Macau has unveiled its latest immersive offering called Illuminarium at Wynn Palace. The new space travel-themed attraction aims to deepen public understanding of the achievements of the Chinese aerospace industry while bolstering the city’s diversified development.

A launch ceremony for Illuminarium took place on Friday, drawing the presence of government officials, aerospace experts, representatives from Wynn, and other distinguished guests.

During the ceremony, Linda Chen, President, Vice Chairman, and Executive Director of Wynn Macau, expressed, “Wynn hopes that Illuminarium will lead visitors on a journey of discovery into the thousand-year history of China’s spirit of exploration and pay tribute to the major milestones that the China aerospace industry has achieved over the past three decades.”

Describing Illuminarium as a gift for the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macau SAR, she added, “Illuminarium has been designed with the aim of supporting the moderate diversified development of Macau.”

“We look forward to ensuring that this brand-new immersive destination serves as a far-reaching educational platform, creates a more diversified experience for visitors, and makes significant contributions to Macau’s tourism industry,” she continued.

Zhao Chuandong, a renowned Chinese astronaut and popular science expert, also expressed his enthusiasm for this new venture, highlighting its potential to ignite curiosity and passion for science and aerospace among the general public, especially the younger generation.

“China stands as an aerospace powerhouse, and its aspirations to explore the universe are integral to the Chinese Dream,” he said on Friday. 

Zhao further emphasized the significant role Macau has played in the remarkable achievements of the aerospace industry of the country over the past decades. He cited the collaboration between experts from Mainland China and Macau in the successful launch of the “Macao Science 1” satellites last year as a testament to this “inseparable” connection.


A place to your dreams

Illuminarium, a captivating sensory exhibition, offers an interactive and immersive experience that engages visitors’ senses of sight, sound, and touch. This cosmic experience is divided into two sections, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and various photogenic check-in spots. 

The first section delves into the exploration of the universe’s mysteries over the past millennium, showcasing the remarkable accomplishments of China’s aerospace industry. In the second section, Illuminarium transports visitors to the present day and offers a glimpse into the future. Visitors have the opportunity to step aboard a simulated spaceship ready to embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the vast expanse of the universe, as well as walking on the simulated surface of the moon.

During the launch ceremony, Alan Greenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Illuminarium Experiences, highlighted the inclusive nature of this new attraction, stating that it has “something for everyone”, from children to the elderly, as well as both Macau residents and tourists. Illuminarium Experiences is an American company specializing in producing immersive entertainment with reprogrammable theatres.

During the launch ceremony, Alan Greenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Illuminarium Experiences, highlighted the inclusive nature of this new attraction, stating that it has “something for everyone”, from children to the elderly, as well as both Macau residents and tourists. Illuminarium Experiences is an American company specializing in producing immersive entertainment with reprogrammable theatres.

“Illuminarium is a place that can take you to any place,” he illustrated. “But it’s actually more than that—it’s a place that can take you to your dreams,” he added.

Apart from the launch ceremony, Wynn Macau also hosted a sharing session titled “Beauty and Knowledge of Space” on Friday, as well as a multi-sensory dining experience. The speakers put forward their profound insights on the universe and space travel in the sharing session, including Zhao Chuandong, Tang Chi Pui, Assistant Professor of the Space Science Institute at Macau University of Science and Technology, and Cao Jun, a renowned Chinese artist. 

Illuminarium welcomes visitors from Tuesdays to Sundays, operating from 11 am to 7 pm. Ticket prices are set at MOP198. There are also discounted rates available for specific groups. Individuals with Macau student ID cards, seniors aged 65 or above, children aged 4-12, and Wynn Insider members can enjoy tickets at a price of MOP148, while Macau residents are eligible for a special admission fee of MOP138.

*This article is part of the MNA Wynn Macau Tourism Plus Partnership Series 

Three-time world champion Mark Williams was crowned the champion of the “Wynn Presents: 2023 Macau Snooker Masters” tournament, claiming the coveted top prize of £80,000 (MOP819,000). Williams secured a hard-fought victory over Jack Lisowski, the World No. 16 player, with a final scoreline of 9-6 on Friday.

The invitational Macau Masters tournament, which was hosted by the local integrated resort operator Wynn Resorts (Macau) S.A. and supported by the Macau Sports Bureau, unfolded at the Grand Theater of Wynn Palace from December 25 to 29.

The sell-out event brought together eight of the world’s elite snooker players for a thrilling series of clashes this week in Macau, captivating both residents and tourists. The star-studded line-up included: Ronnie O’Sullivan, the legendary seven-time World Snooker Championship winner; Judd Trump, the current World No. 2 player from England; Ding Jun Hui from China, the first Asian player to reach the World No. 1 snooker ranking; Marco Fu from Hong Kong, China; and others.

Reflecting on his triumph, Williams expressed his delight, stating, “This [tournament] has been fantastic, and I think every player wants to come back.”

He also commended the organisers of the Macau Snooker Masters, adding, “Hopefully this could be a regular event in the snooker calendar.”

Lisowski, the finalist, shared a similar sentiment, praising the hospitality of the people of Macau and the incredible hotel. “It’s probably one of the best weeks in my life,” the English player remarked.

Wynn also highlighted the significance of introducing this snooker tournament to the city. “In hosting high-quality events such as this Masters Invitational Tournament, the aim is to boost Macau’s image as a leading sports destination that hosts top-tier international sports events while also creating a platform for greater exchanges on a global level,” the company stated in a press statement prior to the tournament.

Ultimate showdown

En route to the highly anticipated final, Williams from Wales delivered a commanding 6-3 victory against Si Jiahui, the up-and-coming Chinese snooker star, in the quarterfinals. He then proceeded to defeat Judd Trump 6-2, solidifying his path to the final showdown. Meanwhile, Lisowski secured his spot in the final showdown by eliminating fellow compatriot Kyren Wilson 6-2 and dominating Fu from Hong Kong with the same scoreline earlier this week.

Williams took an early advantage in the opening session of the final on Friday afternoon, rushing off with a 2-0 lead. However, Lisowski showcased his skill and competitive spirit by equalising the game, impressively pocketing the fourth frame with a masterful 147 maximum break, which garnered cheers and applause from the crowd at the packed Grand Theatre in Wynn Palace. 

Lisowski was the first player to pull off this feat in the Macau tournament. But the blistering opening session concluded with Williams leading 5-3.

The second session of the final resumed on Friday night, providing a fresh start for both players. Lisowski made a strong comeback, securing the first two frames of the second half and levelling the game at 5-5. However, Williams skillfully fended off his opponent’s resurgence, surging ahead again by winning the next three frames.

On the brink of defeat, Lisowski mounted a remarkable comeback, narrowing the gap against Williams and trailing by just two frames. However, after a series of strategic exchanges in the 15th frame, Williams broke the stalemate and secured a 9-6 victory over Lisowski.

During the prize ceremony held shortly after the final, Sports Bureau President Pun Weng Kun, Linda Chen, President and Vice Chairman of Wynn Macau, and other distinguished guests presented the prize cheques of £80,000 and £30,000 to Williams and Lisowski, respectively.

“Overall, I played pretty well in this tournament, and I’m happy with the win,” expressed Williams.

Reflecting on his loss in the final, Lisowski remarked, “It’s a bit of a shame that I missed a few balls today… but I played great all week, and I had so much fun.”

“Mark played great today, and obviously, Mark is one of the greatest players ever,” Lisowski continued, acknowledging Williams’ skill. He also mentioned his intention to learn from Williams, particularly in taking time during crucial moments of the game.

The 2023 Macau Snooker Masters was also jointly organized by StarMac Entertainment & Production Limited, Macao Billiards General Association, and Sailing Up Sports. The event kicked off with an exhibition game between Ronnie O’Sullivan and Ding Jun Hui on the first day (December 25), followed by official games over the next four days.

Besides the thrilling clashes on the snooker table, some of the players, including Marco Fu and Si Jiahui, also took the opportunity to visit the local community earlier this week, enjoying a stroll at the “Rua da Felicidade Pedestrian Zone” in downtown Macau. This pedestrian zone is a community revitalization project launched by Wynn in collaboration with the Macau government in September. It incorporates a wide range of attractions and amenities designed to entice visitors and boost the local community economy.

More top-notch sports events

According to Wynn, the Macau Snooker Masters helps “advance the collaborative development of the city’s tourism and leisure sports industries and solidify Macau’s role as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure to boost its international image.”

“Wynn will continue to take the lead in introducing top-tier events and festivals to Macau, including a variety of world-class tsporting events, MICE conferences and conventions, as well as art festivals, with the goals of broadening Macau’s international appeal and [bolstering] Macau’s role in the international sports community,” the operator said in the statement.

In tandem with the Macau government’s “1+4” diversification development strategy, which positions the city as a global tourism destination while nurturing emerging sectors like modern finance and sports, Wynn has joined forces with The International Series to host a prestigious golf tournament in March 2024. The event, named The International Series Macau presented by Wynn, will be one of the ten International Series events in the 2024 season on the Asian Tour, the leading men’s professional golf tour in Asia.

*This article is part of the MNA Wynn Macau Tourism Plus Partnership Series 

Adorning the Wynn Macau Lakeside Promenade, a mesmerising sculpture, drawing inspiration from Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, was revealed earlier this month. Etherea, the brainchild of renowned Italian artist Edoardo Tresoldi, beckons visitors to immerse themselves in a profound and poetic discourse on art, humanity, and the urban milieu.

This unveiling stands as one of the most recent initiatives by Wynn Macau, the integrated resort developer, aimed at enhancing and championing the city’s cultural and artistic tourism. “By bringing internationally renowned works of art to Macau, Wynn supports the development of high-quality tourism that will drive the expansion of the overseas tourism market into Macau,” the operator remarked in a press statement.

Edoardo Tresoldi, an artist and sculptor of international acclaim, is celebrated for his monumental works crafted from wire mesh and industrial materials. His creations transcend spatial and temporal constraints, blurring the lines between art and reality, resulting in a visual synthesis that defies physical limitations.

“This time in Macau, I’ve played more with the composition of lighting,” he shares. “During the nighttime, a lot of elements of the city come alive and create a lot of shapes, so I’ve started to compose the lighting in relation to the environment.”

“I mostly work with natural environments, so the urban landscape this time is very

interesting,” the artist adds. “It’s so much fun to play withlights.”

This time, Tresoldi brings Etherea to the city, an artwork initially conceived for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in the United States back in 2018. Standing at an impressive 10 meters and showcasing the interplay of transparent wire mesh, the installation has previously graced the cityscape of Rome, Italy.

Tresoldi remarks that he reimagines his installations to fit into different settings each time they are staged in various locations. Regarding his approach to remodelling the work for the Macau showcase, the artist highlights that the urban landscape and light scape of Wynn Macau Lakeside Promenade on the Macau Peninsula have captured his attention.

Acknowledging his affinity for working with natural surroundings, Tresoldi finds the urban landscape of Macau particularly intriguing this time. “It’s a delightful experience to play with lights,” he adds.

Interaction with the environment

Recipient of the Gold Medal for Italian Architecture and recognised as one of Forbes’ 30 most influential European artists under 30 in 2017, Tresoldi is also no stranger to Macau’s art scene. His other installation, Sacral, was featured at the “Wynn – Garden of Earthly Delights” art exhibition held at Wynn Palace in 2019.

Reflecting on the differences between the two showcases in Macau, Tresoldi notes that the previous display was indoors, while the current one takes place outdoors. “I usually work on outdoor projects because the language of my art is to interact with the landscape,” he indicates. “I’m looking for the movement of lights, the changes of the weather, and the dynamics in public spaces.”

Expressing his love for Macau’s diverse architecture, Tresoldi shares his fondness for the city’s historical district. “I really like the historical part of the city,” he says. “I’m very happy to have this installation play with the interaction between classic architecture and the urban landscape of Macau.”

*This article is part of the MNA Wynn Macau Tourism Plus Partnership Series 

A dazzling display of light installations featuring butterflies and flowers has taken centre stage in the city, as integrated resort operator Wynn is providing an immersive outdoor experience for both residents and visitors during the winter holiday season.

This latest endeavour by Wynn, titled “Dancing Butterflies and Blooming onders”  is part of “Light Up Macao 2023”, a three-month-long event organised by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) in collaboration with the city’s six integrated resort operators.

Wynn has transformed the Wynn Macau Lakeside Promenade and the Nam Van Lake area, which includes Anim’Arte NAM VAN, Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, and the White Canopy at Nam Van, into a mesmerising spectacle of fluttering butterflies and blossoming flowers. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of artistic and interactive installations, laser mapping shows, and other captivating elements from now until February 25, 2024.

“The innovative design blends in beautifully with the surrounding scenery and architecture of the neighbourhood to create a vibrant, festive atmosphere for everyone to revel in during the holiday season,” Wynn said in a press statement.

To enrich the experience of the “Dancing Butterflies and Blooming Wonders” initiative, Wynn has incorporated augmented reality (AR) check-in features across the areas, allowing visitors to engage in interactive games and have a chance to win prizes.

“This exciting event will help further elevate the city’s reputation to become a world-class tourism destination, and [it] is expected to attract more international tourists to Macau,” Wynn added.

Under the theme of “Dazzling Wonderland”, “Light Up Macao 2023” blends art, technology, unique architecture, history, culture, and creativity to illuminate various districts throughout the city, each with its own subtheme. With 34 locations across seven districts, the event boasts a wide range of light installations, mapping shows, and other experiences. 

Spanning over the next three months, the event also coincides with several major festivities, including the 24th anniversary of the establishment of the Macau SAR, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, and the Chinese Lantern Festival.

According to the MGTO, “Light Up Macao 2023” aims to invigorate the nighttime community economy and provide economic benefits to local businesses by attracting a large influx of visitors to different districts.

The latest official data reveals a surge in visitor numbers to the city, with a year-on-year increase of 358.8 percent to 22.69 million visitors in the first 10 months of 2023. International visitation accounted for about 4.5 percent of the overall visitation tally.

In a bid to stimulate the community economy and enhance the city’s appeal to international tourists, Wynn also launched the “Rua da Felicidade Pedestrian Zone Project” in downtown Macau Peninsula in late September. This community-driven initiative aims to rejuvenate the historic district of Rua da Felicidade through the incorporation of art installations, a cultural and creative market, art and cultural programmes, a night market experience, and other activities.

*This article is part of the MNA Wynn Macau Tourism Plus Partnership Series 

Integrated resort operator Wynn Macau has announced a partnership with The International Series to bring a prestigious golf tournament to Macau in March 2024, underscoring the city’s appeal as a sports and international tourism destination.

The multiyear partnership between the two entities was revealed in a press conference held at Wynn’s Cotai resort, Wynn Palace, on Monday. Known as The International Series Macau presented by Wynn, the tournament will be one of the 10 International Series events in the 2024 season on the Asian Tour, the leading men’s professional golf tour in Asia. 

“We are proud to sponsor the very first International Series Macau, part of a new elite tier of sporting events and entertaining offerings in Asia,” Linda Chan, President and Vice Chairman of the Board of Wynn Macau Limited, said in the press conference.

“This world-class golf tournament underscores our commitment to supporting the Macau SAR Government’s ‘1+4’ diversification development strategy, growing the sports industry, and strengthening the city’s position as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure,” she added.

The “1+4” diversification development strategy, which has been advanced by the Macau government in recent years, aims to position the city as a prominent global tourism destination while nurturing four emerging sectors: health and wellness, modern finance, technology, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), culture, and sports.

In addition to showcasing top-tier golf talent at the Macau Golf and Country Club in March 2024, the week-long International Series Macau will also feature “world-class entertainment and activities” at Wynn Palace, according to the operator.

“This internationally-acclaimed sporting event will enhance Macau’s global reputation and attract international visitors to the city,” Chen added. Pun Weng Kun, President of the Macau Sports Bureau, also attended the Monday press conference.  

Macau received nearly 20 million visitors in the first nine months of 2023, with overseas visitors accounting for about 4.3 percent of total arrivals, the official data said.

Growing golf scene in GBA

The International Series, which is also backed by LIV Golf, has gained momentum since its inception in 2022, and the 2023 schedule includes tournaments held in Hong Kong, Mainland China, Singapore, Thailand, England, and other locations. 

“The International Series offers a dynamic platform with a proven track record for attracting big names,” Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said in the press conference. “I would like to express my gratitude to Wynn Macau for allowing us to break new ground in Macau, helping the Asian Tour and LIV Golf continue to develop what is now becoming the highest-level golf tournament series in Asia.”

The total prize money for the 2024 season of The International Series would increase by about US$5 million from the current season to over US$23 million, while the prize pool for The International Series Macau 2024 alone would stand close to US$2 million, Singh added.

Also addressing the press conference on Wednesday, Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour, said, “We are truly excited that The International Series will visit Macau for the first time in 2024.”

“The Tour has visited Macau with regularity over the past two decades, and today’s announcement is a tremendous development for golf in Macau’s burgeoning Greater Bay Area,” he added. “As far as the Asian Tour is concerned, we’re growing and we’re in a great position right now: we’ve had two great weeks in the Greater Bay Area, and we look forward to continuing this momentum in this region in March next year.”

The two legs of The International Series 2023 held in Mainland China and in Hong Kong have just concluded earlier this month, with the latter event taking place over the past weekend.

Gathering world-class players

During the press conference held in Macau on Monday, three renowned golfers also expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming golf event in the city. Patrick Reed, who secured victory in the 2018 Masters Tournament, one of the four major championships in professional golf, described Macau as a “stunning” and “ideal” destination for The International Series.

“From a player perspective, it is a great addition to the calendar where you get to play world-class golf against a quality field while staying at the Wynn Palace, one of the finest luxury resort hotels in Macau,” he said. Visiting Macau for the first time, the American golfer added that he was impressed by the city’s hospitality, which “makes the experience so much better”.

Graeme McDowell, a golfer from Northern Ireland and winner of the U.S. Open, another major golf championship, also experienced Macau for the first time. “The International Series is a perfect fit for Macau as golf in China continues to develop,” he said in the press conference. “I look forward to playing tournament golf in front of the knowledgeable golf fans of the region.”

Andy Ogletree, a two-time winner on The International Series in 2023 so far, emphasised the significance of the Macau event next year as a “must-attend” tournament. “There is obviously real demand and great golf here, and this is a market that is only going to grow,” he remarked. “Bringing some of the world’s best players next season can only help cement Macau’s place on the international golf market.”

*This article is part of the MNA Wynn Macau Tourism Plus Partnership Series 

Integrated resort operator Wynn Macau hosted two culinary events over the past five days, celebrating the international flavours of chili and the culture of China’s Qingdao city. The events were aimed at showcasing Macau’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences and enhancing the SAR’s reputation as a “tourism + gastronomy”destination.

The “Wynn Gastronomy Extravaganza – A World Tour of Chili” and the “3rd Macau-Qingdao Beer & Cultural Festival and Macau-Qingdao Week” took place from November 1 to 5 on the Wynn Palace South Lawn.

Featuring specialty food and beverages, a cultural handicrafts market, live performances, culinary competitions, and masterclasses by globally-renowned chefs, among others, the two events created a festive atmosphere for residents and tourists to indulge in.

More than 20 specialty food and beverage stalls were available at the “Wynn Gastronomy Extravaganza”, offering an array of spicy delights from around the world, namely China, Mexico, Australia, India, Mozambique, Turkey, and Thailand.

During the opening ceremony, Frederic Luvisutto, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Wynn Macau, noted that the two events aim to present “an international ‘culinary carnival’ to further build on Macau’s role as a UNESCO-designated ‘Creative City of Gastronomy,’ strengthen the cross-border integration of ‘tourism + gastronomy’, and advance the diversified and sustainable development of Macau’s tourism industry.”

He added that visitors had “the opportunity to engage in global cultural exchanges and discover specialties around the world through the unique dishes” from different places.

Ku Mei Leng, Chief of the Office of the Macau Secretary for Economy and Finance, also said in the same occasion, “The SAR government is pleased to see that Macau’s integrated tourism and leisure enterprises, alongside industry peers, are actively organising diverse mega events and activities together, developing a distinctive tourism brand for the city.”

Local talents showcase

The five-day event showcased not only a wide range of culinary delights but also featured food and beverage competitions and cooking masterclasses. 

Renowned chefs, mixologists, brewery owners, and industry professionals were invited to conduct eight food and beverage masterclasses, where they shared the gastronomic cultures and cooking techniques of various destinations with local residents and visitors.

One of the highlights of the event was the UBCM Bartender of the Year 2023—Savour the Seven Continents competition, organised by the Union of Bartenders & Cocktails of Macau (UBCM) and sponsored by Wynn. The competition took place on November 2 and invited participating bartenders to create cocktails inspired by “The Silk Road” theme and sustainable practices. The winner of this competition will represent Macau at the IBA World Cocktail Championship 2024 in Portugal, and the winning cocktail will be featured on select bar menus at Wynn.

The “Chili Cook-off”, a chili-themed cooking competition, also took centre stage during the last three days of the “Wynn Gastronomy Extravaganza”. Twelve talented contestants demonstrated their skills by preparing dishes incorporating chili peppers. After being evaluated by award-winning chefs, the top three winners of the competition were announced: Aiyarin Wachiratharakul, Jack Kwok, and Jurawadee Somsaard. The winning dish will also be featured as a “recommended dish of the month” at some of Wynn’s restaurants in the city.

Addressing the significance of the contests, Luvisutto commented, “Our goal is to promote the exchange of food and beverage cultures from all over the world and provide a platform for local culinary professionals to showcase their talents.”

In addition to the culinary delights, a cultural handicrafts market was featured at the “Wynn Gastronomy Extravaganza.” Local social service organisations, including the Fuhong Society of Macau, the Complexo de Serviços Ngai Chun of the Macau Special Olympics, and the Macau Association for Intellectual Development Services, participated in the market by selling handicrafts for charity and social inclusion.

Strengthening ties

Apart from the “Wynn Gastronomy Extravaganza”, the “3rd Macau-Qingdao Beer & Cultural Festival and the Macau-Qingdao Week” took place concurrently at Wynn Palace. The event was co-organised by Wynn, Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd, Qingdao Haiming City Development Co. Ltd, and Macau Leisure Tourism Service Innovation Association.

Coinciding with the 120th anniversary of Tsingtao Beer, one of the largest breweries in China, the festival aimed to promote mutual exchanges and closer collaboration between Mainland China, particularly Qingdao, and Macau in the fields of culture, tourism, economy, and trade.

Geng Tao, Vice Mayor of Qingdao Municipal People’s Government, expressed during the opening ceremony of the event, “The unique charm of Macau and the culture of Qingdao Beer once again coincide, presenting a sumptuous ‘cultural feast’ to the people of the two cities, as well as building a new platform to deepen cooperation between Qingdao and Macau.”

*This article is part of the MNA Wynn Macau Tourism Plus Partnership Series 

Project highlights commitment to the district’s community and unique culture, providing support to SMEs and optimizing the street’s environment to attract more locals, visitors, and businesses, and boost the economy, Wynn Macau indicates

The pilot scheme to pedestrianise Rua da Felicidade has the potential to transform the district located at the heart of Macau’s city centre into a renowned “community landmark,” not only attracting more international visitors to Macau but also enhancing the business environment for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), said Linda Chen, President, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of gaming and integrated resorts operator Wynn Macau.

The “Rua da Felicidade Pedestrian Zone Project,” supported by Wynn Macau in collaboration with the Macau Government, officially commenced on September 29, offering a wide range of attractions and amenities designed to entice visitors.

The pedestrian zone, opening exclusively to foot traffic from 11 am to 1 am every day, covers Rua da Felicidade and the adjacent alleys, including Travessa do Mastro, Travessa do Aterro Novo, Rua Do Matapau, and Travessa de Hó Lo Quai.

“Rua da Felicidade is a renowned old street surrounded by abundant tourism resources in Macau. Given its high historical and cultural value, the area has excellent conditions for revitalisation and utilisation,” Ms. Chen said.

“Wynn fully leverages its own resources and business expertise to enrich the cultural and tourism elements of Rua da Felicidade, including optimising the atmosphere of the street, introducing large-scale art installations, a cultural and creative market, art and cultural events, an interactive check-in game, and a night market experience,” she remarked.

“By incorporating diverse content, we aim to create a community landmark that is a must-visit for tourists and to establish a new business environment,” she added.

Daytime and night markets

One of the highlights of the Rua da Felicidade zone is a daytime cultural market. In collaboration with the Industry and Commerce Association of Macau, Wynn Macau has invited a diverse range of local cultural and creative brands to showcase their products and handicrafts in the market.

A roadside bar and food trucks are also set up in the district every night, creating a unique night market atmosphere that gradually envelops the neighbourhood, as illustrated by Ms. Chen.

An interconnected business district WeChat mini-programme has also been developed, with 60 check-in signs available throughout the pedestrian zone for visitors to access information about landmarks and merchants in the district. Through the WeChat mini-programme, visitors also have a chance to win prizes from shops and market stalls in Rua da Felicidade, as well as cash vouchers from 40 SMEs. Over 150,000 people and more than 60 SMEs are expected to benefit from this interactive offering, the operator has estimated.

“The pilot scheme is expected to benefit the businesses at the Rua da Felicidade and in the surrounding areas, attract more visitors and further boost the economy of the community,” Ms. Chen noted. “It also aims to maximise efforts to promote tourism in Macau’s old districts, thereby enhancing the overall attractiveness of Macau.”

The Rua da Felicidade Pedestrian Zone is the first community revitalisation project launched through a partnership between the Macau government and a gaming concessionaire. Standing for “Happiness Street” in Portuguese, it is located next to the city’s main thoroughfare, Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro. The street also holds historical significance as it was once known for its vibrant nightlife attractions during the Chinese Qing Dynasty, including brothels and other entertainment venues.

East Meets West

In addition, the pedestrian zone features various photogenic installations placed throughout. At the main entrance of Rua da Felicidade, there is a floral installation inspired by the acclaimed floral designer Preston Bailey’s “hot air balloon” design, apart from a large gashapon machine, embellished lanterns, and moon rabbit installations across the zone, according to Wynn Macau.

To underscore the district’s Chinese and Western influences, nearly 20 Mainland Chinese and local performers have been invited to host daily performances in the zone during the pilot period. “In particular, the cultural and historical highlights that represent the blend of Chinese and Western cultures can attract international tourists and further assist Macau in expanding the international visitor market,” Ms. Chen indicated.

With the start of the city’s six 10-year gaming concessions this year, the six local gaming operators have been tasked with the responsibility to enhance international visitation and develop non-gaming offerings. This includes initiatives such as promoting community tourism and revitalising old neighbourhoods within the city.

The government has previously identified six local sites for the gaming concessionaires to rejuvenate, including Rua da Felicidade, Piers 23 and 25 in Inner Harbour, Avenida Almeida Ribeiro and Rua de Cinco de Outubro, the Barra district, the Iec Long Firecracker Factory in Taipa, and the Lai Chi Vun Shipyard in Coloane.

Community focus

In addition to the Rua da Felicidade pedestrian project, Wynn Macau has actively engaged in community efforts to support local SMEs, as highlighted by Linda Chen. One notable example is their collaboration with the Industry and Commerce Association of Macau to organise a series of community markets throughout the city, including the Coloane Marques Market.

Over the past 6 years, the series of community markets has attracted over 2 million participants, facilitated brand promotion for over 300 SMEs, generated over 300,000 views on live-streaming sessions with internet influencers, and successfully launched two immersive historic and cultural tours to enhance the cultural aspects of community tourism in Macau, the Wynn executive stated.

“Wynn will continue to cooperate with the Macau SAR Government’s ‘1+4’ moderate diversified development strategy and cooperate with different stakeholders in the community,” Chen said. This would help contribute to the orderly development of non-gaming and community tourism in Macau and promote the comprehensive development of Macau’s economy and tourism, she added.

The “1+4” development strategy, introduced by the Macau government in recent years, aims to position Macau as an international tourism destination while fostering growth in four emerging sectors: health and wellness, modern finance, technology, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), culture, and sports.

*This article is part of the MNA Tourism Plus Partnership Series