Business group calls for up to MOP800,000 renovation subsidy to tackle vacancy

[Photo: Ricaela Diputado]

A local business association is calling on the government to introduce renovation subsidies of up to MOP800,000 to help address rising shop vacancies in the NAPE and ZAPE districts, as the area continues to adjust to the closure of satellite casinos.

The Industry and Commerce Association of Macau (ZAPE) said on Monday that additional support measures are needed to stabilize the local business environment and attract new tenants. The group estimates that around 22% of the districts’ roughly 580 commercial units are currently vacant.

Wu Kam Hon, president of the supervisory board of the group, suggested a tiered subsidy scheme, ranging from MOP300,000 to MOP800,000, to encourage merchants to renovate and relocate into the area.

According to him, such incentives could help reduce vacancy levels and restore commercial activity.

The group also expressed support for launching a second phase of the initiative, alongside measures such as extending casino shuttle bus routes to improve accessibility and foot traffic.

The call comes as Macau’s restructuring of its gaming landscape continues, with 11 satellite casinos ceasing operations following regulatory changes.

Most were located in hotel properties across NAPE and ZAPE, and their closure has had a knock-on effect on surrounding retail and hospitality businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.

Industry representatives said the combined impact of reduced visitor flow and higher vacancy levels has created pressure on local commerce, and urged targeted policy support to help revitalize the districts.

Subsidy drives nearly MOP8 million in spending

A consumption subsidy program in the NAPE district generated close to MOP8 million in spending, according to organizers.

The “NAPE 2025 Group-Buying Subsidy Scheme,” organized by the association, distributed MOP1.8 million in digital coupons through food delivery platforms, leveraging roughly four times that amount in consumer spending. Results exceeded expectations, with all vouchers redeemed 15 days ahead of schedule.

Wu said the initiative aimed to stimulate district-level consumption by promoting bundled deals across online platforms, helping SMEs expand their customer base and improve turnover.

Participating businesses reported higher foot traffic and revenue during the campaign, suggesting a spillover effect on the broader neighborhood economy.

The program ran from mid-December to the end of March and is now under review for a possible second phase, pending discussions with government departments. Additional support measures are also being considered, according to the group.

Earlier this month, authorities said they are exploring targeted subsidy measures to encourage business transformation and attract new ventures to the ZAPE area, with open-air cafes serving as a starting point to break away from the district’s pawnshop-dominated reputation.

The move was revealed by Secretary for Economy and Finance, Anton Tai, at a Legislative Assembly Q&A session earlier this month, when he stated that the government is currently working through the investment committee’s inter-departmental coordination mechanism to advance the transformation and revitalization of the former satellite casino site, helping investors develop a multifunctional commercial complex that integrates retail, dining, and other amenities.

Tai reiterated that authorities are closely monitoring the impact of the satellite casinos’ closure on surrounding commercial districts and are actively promoting the creation of new retail experiences in the ZAPE area.

He said the government will continue to monitor the conditions there, including rent adjustments. Times Reporter