The 2026 Sands Shopping Carnival, held from 23 to 26 July at The Venetian Macao's Cotai Expo, drew nearly 160,000 visits — a record for the event since its launch in 2020. This seventh edition featured more than 580 booths across eight themed zones, including a new Sports Experience Zone and an expanded food court, catering to both residents and international visitors.
Organised by Sands China Ltd, the carnival is Macao's largest free sales platform, designed to bolster local small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Since its inception, the event has provided 4,000 complimentary booths and attracted 800,000 visits. Dr Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd, noted: "The carnival has evolved from an innovative SME initiative into Macao's largest consumption event."
New attractions and community engagement
This year's carnival introduced several fresh elements. The Sports Experience Zone offered pickleball and a basketball challenge, while the Cultural and Creative Zone showcased brands from the Greater Bay Area. The ICBC ePay Presents Greater Bay Area Karaoke King Singing Competition returned, drawing nearly 150 participants, over half from Hong Kong.
Community involvement remained a priority: 20 social service organisations participated, providing a platform for disadvantaged groups to showcase their talents. The event was supported by the Macao Chamber of Commerce and various government bodies.
Sands China aims to continue leveraging this platform to support Macao's economic diversification and its development as a tourism and leisure centre. The carnival's growth mirrors broader trends in Macao's MICE sector, which has seen increased investment in large-scale consumer events. For context, other destinations are also seeing record visitor numbers: Ras Al Khaimah posted record 670,000 visitors in H1 2026, driven by domestic demand.
The carnival's success underscores the importance of large-scale retail and entertainment events in driving foot traffic and supporting local businesses. For travel professionals, such events represent opportunities for package deals, group bookings, and cross-promotion with hotels and airlines. The Venetian Macao, a key property in the Sands China portfolio, continues to serve as a hub for both leisure and business travellers.
Looking ahead, Sands China plans to expand the carnival's reach, potentially incorporating more international exhibitors and digital payment solutions. The event's free admission model and focus on SMEs align with Macao's strategy to diversify beyond gaming. As the city positions itself as a global tourism and leisure centre, events like the Sands Shopping Carnival will play a crucial role in attracting repeat visitors and fostering economic resilience.
