Recently, Macau authorities are conducting a night-time tourism feasibility study at the Rua da Felicidade historical street and seeking feedback from the community given its proximity within neighborhood districts. For several years, Macau city branding has been a ‘World Centre of Tourism and Leisure’ emphasized further in the government’s Development Plan for the inadequate diversification of the economy of the Macau Special Administrative Region (20242028). A considerable part of the specific tourism products that the development plan focuses on may be carried out at night, such as international sporting events, concerts and performances, etc. It is therefore timely that the Macau authorities are revisiting the possibility of developing night-time tourism.
Prof. Glenn McCartney, Associate Dean (Curriculum and Teaching) and Associate Professor in Integrated Resort and Tourism Management stated in Macau Business 「City needs to work on its night-time economy. The development of night tourism can enhance the image of an international city and attract new leisure and business visits. A key consideration of night-time tourism is the creation of a nightlife ambiance, including live music and alfresco dining」.
Prof. Glenn McCartney pointed out that the successful development of the night tourism economy requires attention to the following two issues. First, Macau is facing fierce competition as cities in Asia and around the Greater Bay Area are launching destination marketing campaigns such as nightlife, and access to Chinese mainland and Hong Kong continues to be facilitated. Secondly, issues such as noise, lighting and traffic congestion need to be considered, and tripartite agreements and consensus must be reached between the public sector (tourism, safety, legislation, culture, public works), the private sector (integrated resorts, bars, musicians, entertainers, transport providers, architects) and the community to contribute to the success of the nighttime tourism strategy.
