Macao brought visitors, residents and hospitality workers together on September 27 for World Tourism Day 2026. Its celebrations paired a traditional tray race through the Historic Centre with community tourism activities and a smart tourism theme.
The Macao Government Tourism Office organised the programme around “Smart Tour Macao.” The theme connected the local events with this year’s wider World Tourism Day focus on digital technology and artificial intelligence.
The festivities placed Macao’s tourism workforce and historic streets at the centre of the visitor experience. A tray race drew 204 contestants from 30 hotels and restaurants, while 27 mascots joined a parade through the district.
For travellers, the day offered a view of Macao beyond a single attraction. Events encouraged exploration of neighbourhoods, local food and heritage areas, bringing tourism activity into the surrounding community.
Lucky Tourists Explore Local Neighbourhoods
MGTO welcomed selected “Lucky Tourists” arriving at the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal. The visitors received souvenirs and electronic consumption cards intended to encourage local exploration.
The travellers included visitors from Switzerland and Thailand on a journey combining Macao and Hong Kong. Their plans included historic districts and local cuisine, experiences that connect a short visit with neighbourhood businesses.
MGTO also distributed souvenirs through tourist information counters during the day. That allowed more visitors to take part, even if they had not planned their trip around the celebrations.
The consumption cards reflected a practical tourism aim. Encouraging visitors to spend time in local areas can direct activity towards restaurants, shops and other businesses beyond major visitor sites. The programme did not establish how much additional spending it generated.
Macao’s compact historic districts make community exploration a visible part of its destination appeal. Visitors can encounter architecture, food and everyday street life within the same itinerary.
Tray Race Celebrates Hospitality Workers
The World Tourism Day Tray Race began at the Ruins of St. Paul’s and finished at Senado Square. Contestants carried trays with bottles of Macau Beer along a route through the Historic Centre.
The event featured separate men’s and women’s competitions, along with costume awards. Spectators lined the streets to watch, cheer and photograph the contestants.
This year’s “Smart Tour Macao” presentation gave the established event a contemporary theme. The race itself remained a celebration of the people who serve visitors in Macao’s hotels and restaurants.
Liu Weipeng, representing Venetian Cotai Ltd, won the men’s competition. Marlar Myint, representing Nova Galaxy Entretenimento 2006 Companhia Limitada, took first place in the women’s race.
Ma Kuok Tong of Morpheus and Yang Chunling of Nova Galaxy Entretenimento received the costume awards. Their recognition added another creative element to an event that places hospitality staff in the public spotlight.
For tourism businesses, the race offered a way to connect employees with the wider destination. It also brought visitors into historic public spaces, where an event can become part of their sightseeing experience.
Mascots Bring Families Into the Celebration
A parade of 27 mascots moved from near St. Dominic’s Church towards Senado Square. Participants represented tourism organisations, government departments, resorts, community groups and retail businesses.
Macao Tourism Mascot MAK MAK joined the procession, while other characters wore costumes and carried props inspired by the smart tourism theme. Their interactions gave families another reason to stop and enjoy the historic district.
The parade awarded first prize to “May” from M8. “Ho Sio Chong” from Mung Animation Company Limited took second, while Galaxy Entertainment Group’s “Wavey” placed third.
At the awards ceremony, MAK MAK performed “Soar with MAK MAK” alongside robots. The performance gave the technology theme a visible place in the festivities.
The robots served as an event attraction. The celebrations did not announce a new AI visitor service, so their appearance should not be mistaken for a wider technology rollout.
Heritage Meets a Digital Tourism Theme
World Tourism Day takes place annually on September 27. The 2026 theme asks destinations to consider how digital tools and artificial intelligence could reshape tourism.
Macao interpreted that theme through entertainment, hospitality participation and community visits set against its historic landmarks. The programme showed how a destination can discuss its technological future while drawing attention to the people and places visitors already value.
Its longer-term tourism impact will depend on experiences that remain useful beyond a one-day celebration. Clear visitor information, accessible neighbourhood activities and strong hospitality can help turn interest in Macao into fuller trips.
The day’s clearest result was immediate: residents and international visitors shared Macao’s historic streets with the workers who help welcome them.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
