Civic leader calls for new round of consumption rewards with student and tourist perks

[Photo: Yuki Lei]

In the wake of the recently concluded 2026 Community Consumption Grand Rewards campaign, a civic leader has called for additional rounds of consumer incentive schemes, proposing the introduction of a “student card” for small-value purchases and the extension of electronic instant rebate coupons to tourists.

Ahead of the latest initiative, the Macau Government Tourism Office had introduced tailored travel spending incentives for various overseas source markets, such as Naver Pay for South Korea and TrueMoney for Thailand, with the vouchers being issued through digital platforms in a bid to stimulate international visitor arrivals.

The Islands District Community Service Consultative Committee held its monthly meeting recently, during which a member expressed hope that the government and relevant organizations would continue to roll out enhanced consumption stimulus schemes to sustain improvements in the business environment.

The member suggested that, should a further phase of the consumption rewards program be implemented, consideration could be given to introducing a “student card” specifically for the student population – alongside the existing elderly card – to facilitate small-value, flexible spending.

The member also proposed expanding electronic instant discount vouchers for tourists, distributed via digital wallets commonly used in their respective home markets, to encourage direct spending at community merchants.

The member also proposed a “mega-event plus consumption” linkage model, whereby the consumption rewards scheme would be closely tied to major sporting events, with exclusive tourist offers designed to attract more high-end and international visitors into local neighborhoods.

To address the disappointment of residents who repeatedly fail to win in the draw, the member suggested introducing a “safety net” mechanism, whereby any unredeemed voucher amounts from the previous week would be rolled over into the following week’s prize pool. In addition, the member called on participating merchants to enhance their own promotional offers and on local associations to organize signature community activities to amplify the multiplier effect of the policy measures.

Another committee member also drew attention to the fact that integrated shopping malls and hypermarkets operated by single-chain enterprises are not eligible for electronic voucher redemptions. The member recommended that future program designs include a “specific livelihood exemption” for communities such as Seac Pai Van that lack small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) fresh-produce outlets and essential supply stores.

This would allow for relaxed redemption criteria – such as lifting merchant-size restrictions – for certain vulnerable groups, ensuring they are not disadvantaged by local infrastructure constraints.

The member further noted that in Coloane, where there are few small fresh-produce vendors and limited eateries, elderly residents often struggle to find affordable options that suit their dietary needs, prompting many to travel to traditional markets in Taipa or the peninsula to use their vouchers.

The member also recommended a review of leasing terms for vacant spaces and shopping centers within the district, with a view to offering rental concessions to attract more retail operators – such as fresh-produce stores – to set up shop in the area.

This, she said, would help introduce competition, reduce reliance on a single-source supply chain, and fundamentally improve the community’s livelihood infrastructure.