Daily discussions have largely focused on the need to attract visitors to local community districts and encourage consumption in businesses across specific neighborhoods in Macau. This is not about historic areas with heritage value, such as Senado Square. That is the “city center”. Nor is it about the A-Ma Temple, with the Maritime Museum, restaurants and occasional events. Or Taipa Village, with its architectural charm and attractions on the Cotai side.
We are talking about specific areas such as ZAPE. It is no longer a district with nightlife and gaming. Yet suddenly, there is an effort to attract visitors to an area where the main attractions are pharmacies and pawn shops. The effort to organize occasional events is commendable, but the visible commercial landscape remains dominated by this type of business. ZAPE is just one example. There is a strong call from society for the government to better support residents in restructuring their businesses in these areas.
Rushing to bring visitors into a district where there is little of real attraction may also harm Macau’s tourism image. The appeal goes further: support and incentives are needed to reshape the business mix so that it aligns with the new realities of both residents and tourists, without ever losing Macau’s identity and distinctive characteristics.
There is discussion about defining dedicated zones—for example, a “Zone A” focused on characteristic shops, local culture, arts and music; a “Zone B” for international brands and external investment; a “Zone C” with nightlife attractions; or a “Zone D” dedicated to civil society activities. By defining the purpose of each zone through public consultation, it becomes clearer what is intended, and allows for targeted support and incentives (including backing from concessionaires) to drive the future transformation of these businesses.
There has long also been talk of creating a waterfront fair, recreating Macau’s traditional Chinese junks with boat tours in Sai Van Bay, or developing a “Little Macau”, similar to Portugal’s “Portugal dos Pequenitos”, which could extend local commerce reflecting both Macanese and Portuguese cultural characteristics.
It is time to reconsider whether the focus is on promoting Hengqin or staging occasional selfie-driven events—or on genuinely supporting the businesses of Macau’s residents.
