Community pedestrian zones during Lunar New Year boost foot traffic, business activity

The city’s pedestrian zone recorded noticeably higher foot traffic during this Lunar New Year compared with previous years, bringing positive results for local businesses, according to Industry and Commerce Federation of the Islands of Macao chairman Iun Ioc Va.

He said the arrangement helped redirect tourist flows and eased pressure on the area by reducing conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles.

Pedestrianized streets in Old Taipa Village and Rua dos Ervanários have resumed normal operations yesterday following the Lunar New Year holiday period.

The pedestrian zones were implemented from the first to the sixth day of the Lunar New Year to help manage large tourist crowds during the festive season.

Authorities said the arrangement helped maintain orderly pedestrian flow, and operations remained smooth throughout the period. The initiative received generally positive feedback from residents, merchants, and visitors, according to Iun.

However, Iun suggested that authorities review past pedestrian zone operations and conduct data analysis to further optimize traffic and crowd management measures.

He also called for continued improvements in transportation infrastructure to better accommodate increasing tourist arrivals and support long-term community and tourism development.

Meanwhile, Central District Community Advisory Committee member Mok Chio Kuan also said the pedestrian zones helped attract visitors and support activity in community business districts.

Mok suggested three areas for future improvement of pedestrian zone planning. The first is to use collected crowd data to flexibly adjust pedestrian zone operating hours during peak periods while incorporating more community tourism elements.

The second is to explore expanding the pedestrian zone coverage to encourage greater merchant participation and diversify offerings, including food services, cultural and creative products, and performing arts. He also suggested dividing functional areas within the zone to improve visitor experience and allow more targeted business promotion.

The third recommendation is to strengthen information dissemination at public transport stops by providing advance crowd and traffic updates through multiple communication channels, increasing guidance signage, and supporting travel planning for residents and tourists.

Another Community Advisory Committee member, Chang Ka Wa, said the pedestrian zones have helped increase foot traffic in the area and alleviate pressure on the main Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro corridor during the holiday period.

Chang suggested further improving the alleyway environment surrounding the pedestrian zones by enhancing lighting, storefront appearance, and sanitation. She also proposed installing art displays or historical information boards to encourage visitors to explore nearby streets.

In addition, she recommended strengthening traffic safety by installing warning signs and LED information screens near key junctions such as Travessa da Caldeira and deploying traffic guides to help separate pedestrian and vehicle movement in busy areas.

Chang said district connectivity could be strengthened by linking nearby merchants along Rua dos Mercadores, Rua da Felicidade, and Travessa da Caldeira through joint promotions. She also suggested extending cultural performances into surrounding alleyways to help create a cycle where pedestrian activity supports community consumption.

Another Community Advisory Committee member, Wong Sio Sio, said the government’s revitalization of Taipa Market has helped attract more visitors to the pedestrian zone. She suggested adding navigation maps for Old Taipa Village and developing a mobile application for the market to help visitors locate shops and facilities more easily.

Wong also suggested optimizing Light Rapid Transit and bus transfer arrangements to improve tourist access to community destinations. She added that providing free shuttle bus services between Taipa and Coloane could help support economic activity in Coloane Village. Ricaela Diputado