Macau’s largest complimentary exhibition and sales platform “Sands Shopping Carnival” kicked off yesterday, inviting shoppers from Macau and beyond to shop, dine and take part in various family-friendly activities during the four-day event.
The free-admission event runs through Sunday, with over 580 booths and eight themed zones to explore. There are also over 5,000 special “MOP 1” items daily, along with discounts of up to 90 percent off.
Entering its seventh year, the 2026 edition of the carnival boasts its most enthusiastic response, receiving more than 600 applications from local SMEs. Close to 300 were chosen to participate.
In a speech, Sands China Executive Vice Chairman Wilfred Wong Ying Wai highlighted this year’s number of applications as an overwhelming response, going from receiving 300 applications at its debut during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and highlighting it as a major annual platform for local small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Wong further pointed out that in 2020 “we made a bold breakthrough. By sharing our venues, resources and customer base free of charge, we created the largest free sales platform in Macau. Through this initiative, we provided a stage for Macau SMEs, community organisations, and Sands retailers to widely expand their business opportunities. In doing so, we hoped to bring positivity to Macau during that difficult time.”
Among the local SMEs running booths are Macau’s century-old brands, classic local brands, distinctive shops, and niche specialty businesses recognised under the government’s “Expertinctive Shop”* programme, alongside Sands China retailers, as highlighted in information provided yesterday.
This year also sees 20 booths run by local community organisations, a record high.
Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes noted in her speech Macau’s top position in China Tourism Academy’s “2025 Top Ten Destinations for Chinese Outbound Tourist Satisfaction”, announced earlier this month and marking its second consecutive top ranking. The city was praised for its “leisure and entertainment” and “attractions and accommodation” categories, an achievement made possible by the collective efforts of the community.
“As quality retail service plays a vital role in enhancing visitors’ overall experience, we encourage the retail sector to continue responding to market needs and delivering attentive services, further strengthening Macau’s position as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure,” she said.
Frederico Ma Chi Ngai, president of the board of directors of the Macao Chamber of Commerce, noted in his speech: “We are delighted to see a growing number of local SMEs leveraging this platform to showcase the potential and vigour of Macau businesses. Beyond stimulating local consumption, the event also reinforces Macau’s position as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, while supporting the city’s economic diversification efforts”.
In the past six years, the event has drawn a over 640,000 visits and, including this year, provided more than 4,000 free booths.
This year’s carnival features new offerings and highlights, according to Sands China.
More event details and updates are available on https://en.sandsresortsmacao.com/sands-lifestyle/events/sands-shopping-carnival-2026.html
and the Sands Cares Facebook page
One can also read more on https://www.macaupostdaily.com/news/28762
* “Expertinctive Shop” – a portmanteau of Expertise + Distinctive – refers to a business accredited under the official Distinctive Shops Programme (特色店計劃). The MSAR Government portal and English domain for the initiative use the term “Expertinctive Shops” (expertinctive-shops.com) to brand and catalogue accredited local businesses. – Gemini, MPD
Photos taken during yesterday’s 2026 Sands Shopping Carnival opening ceremony and invitation only session by Rui Pastorin
