Tuesday, June 18, 2024 The “International Gastronomy Forum, Macao” convened , bringing together delegates from 29 Creative Cities of Gastronomy worldwide and seven Chinese member cities of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in other fields, along with catering industry leaders and participants. This year’s Forum engaged the highest number of participating Cities of Gastronomy compared to previous editions. Observed annually on June 18, Sustainable Gastronomy Day is the backdrop for this year’s theme, “Holistic Gastronomy: Eat Well, Live Well.
” Participants shared their insights and experiences through panel sessions and an exchange meeting, sparking innovative ideas and offering significant enlightenment for the sustainable development of the tourism and catering industries, as well as Macao’s integrated development of “tourism + gastronomy.” The opening ceremony of the Forum was officiated by Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, MGTO Director and Macao SAR (China) Focal Point to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network; Colleen Swain, Cluster Coordinator of the Cities of Gastronomy and Focal Point of San Antonio, USA; Kevin Huang, Chief Operating Officer of South China Morning Post; along with two keynote speakers. In her welcome speech, Director Senna Fernandes emphasized that gastronomy encompasses various dimensions, including history, culture, traditions, innovation, wellness, lifestyle, and sustainability.
She highlighted that gastronomy is not only a del.
