MACAO, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The International Gastronomy Forum kicked off in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Monday, focusing on the creativity of gastronomy.

The event, with the theme of "possibilities of gastronomy and creativity," attracted more than 30 chefs from 21 members of the cities of gastronomy designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Alexis Tam, secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR government, said that the forum offered a platform for chefs from around the world to exchange their views on gastronomy. It was also hoped that the forum would promote the development of Macao SAR's tourism industry.

On the sidelines of the forum, an outdoor culinary show was held during the weekend to display the dishes and cuisines by the chefs.

The forum, organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), has been held for three consecutive years. It is an important platform for Macao SAR to interact with others and develop itself as a creative city of gastronomy.