Macau is likely to see less punters, as the city has doubled down on its bet to revamp its image from Asia’s gaming capital into a tourism hub. After the success of Chinese New Year, authorities are now confident in the tourism reboot – especially with such strong numbers coming from Hong Kong.
However, the momentary uptick is already slowing, notes Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, hoping for a resurgence later this year.
“In the coming months, it’s likely that we will see less visitation, “notes Secretary Lei Wai Nong, continuing that “in the second half of the year, we are confident that visitation will return stronger and generate stronger economic returns.
“We also want to offer tourism products, in collaboration with Hong Kong, as well as Hengqin. In the future, using this tri-party cooperation, we will launch these tourism products,” notes the official.
In statements to local lawmakers, the finance head noted that local labor needs to re-tool itself for non-gaming jobs, as locals held nearly 82 percent of managerial roles in Macau’s six gaming concessionaires.
The companies have made it clear that they’re willing to continue their investment in shaping Macau’s non-gaming future, pledging $14.8 billion in aggregate investment over the 10-year licenses, with 91 percent of it, or $13.4 billion, in non-gaming spend.
