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Macao’s standing as an authentic City of Gastronomy couldn’t have been better illustrated when a group of Sydney travel consultants dined on a Chinese feast while learning about the Asian centre’s long-lasting love affair with food.

On hand in Parramatta to greet the agents was a cut-out version of Macao’s loveable mascot Mak Mak, a black-faced spoonbill native to Macao, her headwear inspired by the historic Guia Lighthouse, once the highest point of the former Portuguese enclave.

Sixteen Flight Centre travel experts from stores in Parramatta, North Rocks, Burwood and Macquarie were on hand at the special workshop dinner to grab the latest news from Macao which is celebrating its 20th anniversary as a Special Administrative Region of China.

A worthy inclusion on the elite list of UNESCO Creative Cities for Gastronomy, Macao is said to boast one of the world’s earliest forms of fusion food (Macanese).

The agents also took note of the many exciting festivals and events to fill the calendar, including the 19th Macau Food Festival, the 30th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest, the 9th Macau Shopping Festival, the ever-appealing Macao Light Festival, the giant Macao International Parade, the 4th International Film Festival and Awards – Macao (IFFAM), and the 66th Macau Grand Prix.

New this year is Art Macao, a five-month festival where the former Portuguese enclave will show off its artistic side through international and local exhibitions from June until October.