Travel spending shifts leave neighborhoods busy but underperforming
dez25 C hanges in visitor spending habits are putting pressure on the local community economy, despite record-high tourist arrivals this year, according to a local business group, which is urging targeted measures to draw visitors into neighborhood districts. Chairman of the Industry and Commerce Federation of Macau Central and Southern District, Lei Cheok Kuan, said he welcomed the continued growth in inbound visitor numbers but noted that many tourists are spending differently than in the past. While streets in community areas remain busy, consumption has not kept pace, creating a “busy but not profitable” situation for small and medium-sized businesses. To address the issue, Lei suggested the government introduce consumption incentives specifically designed for visitors and limited to use in community districts. Drawing on earlier consumption reward schemes, he proposed offering enhanced incentives – such as three- or fourfold spending bonuses – with a minimum qualifying ...