Concert economy could generate sevenfold spending, travel sector says

Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai has been soliciting opinions and suggestions from various sectors for his 2026 fiscal year Policy Address, introducing proposals to enhance Macau’s status as a “City of Performing Arts,” with preliminary estimates indicating a potential 1:7 multiplier effect for the city’s concert economy.

Paul Wong, president of the Macau Leisure Tourism Services Innovation Association, recently said in an exclusive interview with Southern Finance Omnimedia Group (SFC) that, following a news report earlier this week, Macau’s tourism industry is working closely with travel agencies and event organizers to reserve concert tickets.

The tickets are then packaged as tourism products for overseas markets, aligning with the local government’s strategy to diversify visitor sources and expand the international tourist market.

In the Q&A interview, Wong acknowledged the government’s efforts to establish Macau as a performing arts capital, stating that “Macau’s performing arts scene has indeed flourished, with diverse events thriving in full bloom.”

He emphasized that performing arts and entertainment are vital components of the broader leisure tourism industry, aligning seamlessly with Macau’s identity as a World Tourism Center and its development of leisure tourism.

“This not only enriches Macau’s tourism product portfolio but also enhances the city’s appeal and competitiveness as a tourist destination.”

According to the report, Wong believes that the development of the performing arts and entertainment industry can enrich visitors’ leisure travel experiences, encouraging them to extend their stay in Macau and enjoy performances, savor local cuisine, and explore attractions.

“This shift aims to gradually decrease reliance on gaming in Macau’s economy and facilitate the city’s transformation into a comprehensive global tourism and leisure hub, a process that necessitates sustained effort and innovation,” he said.

When asked about the consumption boost from the concert economy in Macau, the sector representative cited preliminary industry estimates suggesting a multiplier effect of 1:7 to 1:8, potentially driving overall spending between MOP7,000 and MOP8,000.

He specifically mentioned the 2024 concert by mainland Chinese singer Dao Lang in Macau as an example, which contributed to significant growth in local hotel, vehicle rental, and restaurant consumption. He noted that due to entry and exit policy restrictions, most concert-goers must stay overnight, further boosting hotel revenues. Combined with spending on transportation, dining, and shopping, the overall multiplier effect is even more pronounced.

Regarding Macau’s future development as a performing arts capital, Wong emphasized, as noted in the report, that enhancing the city’s appeal and competitiveness requires robust government policy support and comprehensive infrastructure.

He asserted that attracting renowned artists and major brand concerts relies not only on industry efforts but also on effective government coordination. “Optimizing transportation and providing convenient services are essential for maximizing the economic benefits of concerts,” he stated.

Additionally, Wong highlighted the importance of strengthening professional talent training and building industry platforms.

Inviting relevant companies for site visits can further enhance the industry’s capacity for market expansion. He concluded, “Although Macau is small in size, flexible services can effectively support industry development.”

To enhance Macau’s image as a “City of Performing Arts,” Wong proposed several recommendations.

These include ensuring sufficient public transportation and taxi availability during large-scale events, directing audiences to dining and shopping venues via dedicated shuttle buses to promote balanced benefits for local small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and improving accommodation and transportation services to compensate for Macau’s limited local market scale.

Wong also emphasized the importance of differentiated development, recommending the integration of concerts with cultural, culinary, and heritage attractions to provide unique entertainment experiences.

He urged the government to formulate dedicated policies at the strategic level to support the growth of the performing arts industry.