Macau’s sole candidate for Chief Executive, Sam Hou Fai, has committed to promoting residency shows by casino operators as a key strategy to boost tourism.
During a town hall meeting on Saturday, Sam, who previously served as the president of SAR’s Court of Final Appeal, emphasized the need for the gaming hub to address its competitive shortcomings to keep pace with neighboring cities like Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
According to the South China Morning Post, Sam pointed out that Macau’s advantages have not been fully realized since the launch of the Greater Bay Area initiative five years ago.
“In various sectors, we are lagging behind…Shenzhen excels in technology, Guangzhou showcases comprehensive capabilities, and Hong Kong remains a financial powerhouse. We must enhance our competitiveness.”
Sam Hou Fai
In his vision for consolidating Macau’s status as a World Center for Tourism and Leisure, Hou-fai proposed making the organization of concerts featuring major stars a regular initiative.
He underscored the importance of attracting international tourists, particularly from Southeast Asia, and enhancing Macau’s global image by drawing comparisons to Dubai’s successful tourism strategies.
In a visit to the city in 2019, President Xi Jinping encouraged Macau to “appropriately diversify its economy,” a message that resonates with the local government’s ongoing efforts to diversify beyond its casino-dominated economy. Recent plans have focused on sectors like healthcare, finance, innovation, and culture.
The candidate further revealed that the heads of Macau’s six casino concessionaires have agreed to jointly promote the city as an attractive travel destination for markets outside mainland China.
He also proposed that these operators utilize their substantial investment commitments—estimated at MOP100 billion patacas ($12.5 billion)—to enhance non-gaming offerings, a requirement tied to their 10-year license extensions.
“In light of reports that a renowned UK artist was offered around $200 million for a half-year residency but declined due to family commitments, we must continue to pursue opportunities like this for sustained operations,” Sam remarked.
British music sensation Adele allegedly declined an invitation to perform in the city, the SCMP noted.
While acknowledging the missed opportunity with Adele, Hou-fai noted the upcoming return of the House of Dancing Water show at the City of Dreams resort later this year, after a four-year hiatus. This long-standing production combines acrobatics, dance, and diving and has been a staple since its debut in 2010.
The candidate believes that residency shows can enhance Macau’s appeal over time, contrasting them with touring concerts that are typically short-lived.
Looking ahead, Hou-Fai indicated that his administration would carefully evaluate the efficiency and appropriateness of casino operators’ non-gaming investments.
Since announcing his candidacy in late August, Sam has actively engaged with local associations and unveiled his platform during a recent town hall meeting. The campaigning period will continue until October 11th, with a 400-member election committee scheduled to vote for the new leader on October 13th, where nearly all committee members have nominated Sam.