Record Attendance at the 2025 Sands Shopping Carnival in Macao Amidst Typhoon Challenges

A Fantastic Gathering at the 2025 Sands Shopping Carnival

The Sands Shopping Carnival, recognized as Macao's largest sales extravaganza, took place from July 17 to 19, drawing an impressive attendance of nearly 110,000 visitors. Despite the unexpected conclusion of the event occurring one day early due to Typhoon Wipha, the carnival surpassed expectations and brought together both local residents and visitors, showcasing the best Macao has to offer.

Carnival Highlights

Organized by Sands China Ltd. in collaboration with the Macao Chamber of Commerce, this year marked the sixth edition of the carnival. The event has progressively become a hub for local small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), allowing them to connect with Sands retailers and engage with the local community. Since its inception in 2020, the carnival has attracted a staggering total of over 640,000 visits, solidifying its position as a key player in Macao's tourism and leisure landscape.

The carnival boasted more than 580 booths, segmented into diverse zones that catered to a wide variety of interests. Specific areas focused on household products, gourmet food and wine, Macao cultural displays, and even a new coffee zone aimed at addressing the growing café culture in the region. This year, attendees could enjoy the fun of an open-mic busking space, which was set up outside the coffee zone, inviting individuals to showcase their musical talents.

Community Engagement

Dr. Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China Ltd., expressed gratitude towards all supporters of the carnival, emphasizing the event's ability to gather community and culture under one roof, no matter the weather challenges. The carnival highlighted the importance of promoting local SMEs and showcased the unique synergy between different sectors, bolstering the growth of Macao's economy.

The carnival also provided an engaging atmosphere with the ICBC ePay Presents Greater Bay Area Karaoke King Singing Competition, which saw more than 100 contestants participating from the Greater Bay Area – a testament to the region's vibrant cultural tapestry.

Social Responsibility

Not only did the carnival aim to entertain, it also represented an opportunity for local community organizations to raise awareness for their services. The number of organizations participating increased significantly over the years, reaching a record 19 this year. The event offered them a chance to provide vocational training and engage directly with the community.

Sands Cares Ambassadors were on hand to support community groups, including hosting families from the Salvation Army in fun activities like karting and workshops. A notable highlight was the BOC Smart Kids Presents Little Master Chef Workshop, where families joined together to learn the art of sushi-making, promoting familial bonds and culinary skills.

Environmental Initiatives

In alignment with the Sands ECO360 global sustainability strategy, the carnival implemented a variety of environmentally friendly initiatives. Local NGOs and Sands ECO360 Ambassadors educated exhibitors and participants on effective recycling methods, contributing to a greater awareness of environmental issues.

Furthermore, the carnival featured workshops emphasizing reducing plastic waste, encouraging attendees to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle while enjoying the festivities.

Conclusion

Despite the unexpected weather challenges, the 2025 Sands Shopping Carnival proved once again to be a resounding success, bringing together a diverse audience, fostering community spirit, and celebrating local culture and businesses. As Sands China continues to innovate and integrate unique elements into future events, it remains committed to enhancing the sustainable development of Macao's tourism and leisure industry.