Community spending scheme injects MOP543 million into market in first three weeks

The 2026 Community Spending Rewards scheme has injected MOP543 million into the market in its first three weeks, with MOP113 million in electronic vouchers redeemed and MOP27.03 million in card-based spending, the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) said.

Speaking on public broadcaster TDM’s radio program Sunday, bureau director Yau Yun Wah joined Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) deputy director Cheng Wai Tong and Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) acting president Leong Wa Fong to review this year’s efforts to attract visitors to local communities and revitalize the economy.

Yau said the government launched two major consumption initiatives this year – the 2026 Community Consumption Chain Rewards and the 2026 Community Spending Rewards scheme – to distribute spending across different sectors and generate a multiplier effect.

It also promoted “ticket stub economy” initiatives and the “Leisure Bus · Community Discovery” tour service, which operated 4,657 trips across three themed routes from April 25 to Oct. 25, carrying more than 70,000 passengers.

During September’s WTT Macau Champions event, 5,520 gift packs were distributed to spectators, generating MOP77,000 in redemptions and more than MOP270,000 in spending.

Yau said the bureau completed assessments this year for “specialty shops,” “characteristic old shops” and “century heritage shops.” Macau now has more than 6,500 “trusted shops.” The bureau also continues to operate its smart upgrade scheme and digitalization support services for the catering industry, while financial assistance programs have been optimized and extended to the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

MGTO Deputy Director Cheng said the office had expanded the integration of tourism with other industries through events including the Chinese New Year parade, the Macau International Travel Industry Expo, the Gastronomy Carnival and the International Fireworks Display Contest. An international light festival is scheduled to launch next month.

The office has also supported community activities, expanded international marketing, introduced multilingual AI inquiry services and strengthened social media promotion.

IPIM acting president Leong said its revised MICE incentive scheme brought nearly 13,000 exhibitors and buyers into local communities through 14 events from January to October. Its one-stop investor service also completed 14 community projects worth about MOP500 million, creating more than 180 jobs.

The first-store economy scheme is now in its third phase, attracting brands to districts including Areia Preta, Mong Ha, the reservoir area and Old Taipa Village. Nearly 700 local small and medium-sized enterprises have also received support to participate in more than 50 exhibitions.

Government representatives said community tourism development was an ongoing effort requiring adjustments, adding that departments would continue refining visitor routes, incentives and merchant support to encourage visitors to spend and stay longer in local districts.