Gov’t launches launches MOP485 million discount campaign to boost spending

Macau will roll out a new MOP485 million discount campaign next month to spur domestic spending, offering expanded benefits for seniors and people with disabilities as part of efforts to support small businesses and boost consumer confidence.

Running from September 1 to November 30, the “National Games Power Community Consumption Awards” will put consumer discounts into circulation over 13 weeks.

The program, jointly organized by the government and the Macao Chinese Chamber of Commerce, is designed to encourage local shopping, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mark the upcoming 15th National Games and Special Olympics.

During a press conference Friday, chamber chairman Ma Chi Ngai acknowledged the difficulties facing SMEs, saying, “The business environment is still full of challenges.”

He noted that “large-scale promotions are crucial for attracting customers and sustaining local businesses.”

Expanded benefits for residents

This year’s campaign will provide additional support for seniors and persons with disabilities, each eligible for up to MOP500 in discounts, an increase from MOP300 in the previous round.

However, the two benefits are mutually exclusive, and residents cannot claim both at the same time. A total of MOP75 million has been earmarked for this measure.

Economic and Technology Development Bureau (DSEDT) director Yau Yun Wah pointed to the success of past consumption award programs, which generated MOP1.04 billion in linked spending, adding that this year’s campaign seeks to further strengthen consumer confidence.

He highlighted the increased investment, noting that the budget is 65% higher than the last campaign. “Especially in low season, our previous campaigns served to stabilize the domestic economy,” Yau said.

The official added that more funding this year is expected to enliven neighborhoods and improve business conditions for shops still adapting to shifting spending patterns.

Incentives to spend

Residents will be able to use a real-name authenticated e-wallet to collect rewards.

Consumers who spend at least MOP50 on weekdays can draw three electronic discounts each week, while e-vouchers – redeemable at more than 20,000 merchants – will range in value from MOP10 to MOP200.

Also, three winners will be selected each week, each receiving a cash prize of MOP8,000.

The Social Welfare Bureau will issue MOP500 Care Cards to people with disabilities, with more than 40 rehabilitation service agencies assisting in the application process that began yesterday.

“An increased investment will enliven the vibes of certain neighborhoods and improve business conditions there,” Yau said.

The official said a survey commissioned by DSEDT found that both residents and businesses were broadly satisfied with the consumption initiative, citing its positive impact on local spending.

According to government data from the previous round of the campaign, each pataca invested generated more than four times its value in consumption.

With a budget of MOP485 million, authorities expect nearly MOP2 billion in total spending this time, or an average monthly turnover exceeding MOP600 million.

During earlier community visits by the Chief Executive, many SMEs voiced hopes that the government would extend support measures to help sustain the community economy during the low season. Times Reporter

Survey shows spending boost from consumption awards

The previous round of the “2025 Community Consumption Awards” delivered positive results, with both residents and merchants reporting benefits,    to data released by the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT).

Director Yau Yun Wah said the campaign generated MOP1.04 billion in linked consumption, representing a leverage ratio of 4.2 times. Weekend daily local payments rose by 21% compared with pre-campaign levels.

Survey findings from a local university showed that 73% of respondents changed some of their weekend cross-border spending habits to shop and dine in Macau instead.

The most popular spending categories were dining (70.9%), household goods (50.6%), and food and produce (49.2%).

In addition, 42% of residents admitted the campaign encouraged unplanned purchases.

Merchants also reported a positive impact.

Among 800 surveyed businesses, 41.4% observed an increase in customer traffic during the campaign, while 46.9% said it was steady. Meanwhile, 46.1% saw sales rise and 41.1% reported no change.