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Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Deputy Director Ricky Hoi Io Meng has remarked that the restrictions on free snacks and beverages by Macau’s casinos should not impact visitor numbers.
According to Macau news agencies, the Deputy Director made his statement after the Asia Pacific Tourism Association’s (APTA) 2024 opening ceremony at the Galaxy International Convention Centre (GICC), Cotai.
Hoi has referred to statistics showing recent arrivals of visitors to the city, which numbered over 110,000 tourists a day.
“When compared with past weekends, we didn’t notice a drop in the number of tourists,” Hoi pointed out, adding that tourists who visited Macau did not come for free food from casinos. Per MGTO’s observations, many visitors in fact chose to visit various neighbourhoods to enjoy the local food and cafes there.
Hoi also noted that the MGTO is expecting more foreign visitors to arrive in Macau. “We still stick to the same forecast of having two million international visitors throughout this year,” he concluded.
Earlier in June, MGTO Deputy Chief Cheng Wai Tong had voiced his remarks that the free food and drinks at casinos will not negatively impact local restaurants. The remark was made amidst reports that the Government is pressuring concessionaires to end the free food practice, concerned that said practice will impact local restaurants and eateries.
In related news, Macau’s recent gross gaming income grew 16.4% in June 2024, compared to the previous years.
The Macau Government has also approved a five-year concession for Macau company STDM to operate the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal.
