Macau economic and tourism officials have met representatives from about 20 hotels located in the Outer Harbor Reclamation Zone (ZAPE) in order to discuss measures to alleviate the impact of the incoming closure of several satellite casinos in the ZAPE area.
At least nine of the 11 satellite casinos are expected to cease operations by December 31st 2025, coinciding with the end of a three-year grace period granted under transitional agreements between the operators and their licensed partners.
Most of them are located in the ZAPE or Outer Harbour New Land Reclamation (NAPE) areas of the city.
The meeting involved representatives from the Office of the Secretary for Economy and Finance (GSEF), the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), and the Directorate of Economic and Technological Development Services (DSEDT).
As the gaming industry prepares for the closure of satellite casinos by gaming concessionaires later this year, concerns have arisen regarding the potential impact on nearby hotels and retailers.
Currently, some 5,600 local workers are employed at satellite casino operations—venues owned by third-party investors but operating under official gaming concessions. Of these, around 4,800 work under the umbrellas of Galaxy, Melco, and SJM, while the remaining 800 are employed directly by the satellite operators themselves.
The Macau government indicated it aims to implement various measures to attract visitors to ZAPE, encouraging them to experience local accommodations and shop in surrounding communities.
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, MGTO Director, emphasized the government’s commitment to developing ZAPE.
“This meeting is a vital opportunity to gather ideas and feedback before we implement initiatives that address the needs of the hotel sector,” she stated, adding that the goal is to collaborate effectively to increase visitor numbers and enhance the overall business environment.
During the meeting, the MGTO presented preliminary measures focusing on four key areas: the introduction of internationally recognized intellectual property (IP), the extension of economic benefits from concerts, the optimal use of spaces for activities, and improvements to the area’s environment.
Additionally, tourism authorities encouraged hotel operators to seek out new visitor sources and launch complementary tourism products or accommodation promotions, fostering a diverse and enriching experience for both tourists and residents.
Industry representatives were said to have largely supported the government’s preliminary measures, providing feedback on how to enhance ZAPE’s vitality and attractiveness, ultimately facilitating the transformation and growth of commerce in the area.
The MGTO now plans to maintain ongoing communication with the tourism sector and develop promotional strategies to revitalize the local economy in ZAPE.
The same day, over 70 businesses held a meeting to protest the satellite casino closures, asserting that the government underestimated the economic impact and demanding a halt to the closures that could protect livelihoods.
