Gov’t seeks operator for Cotai open-air venue in new public tender

The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) has launched a public tender to choose a new operator for the Macao Outdoor Performance Venue in Cotai, setting a base annual rent of MOP2.1 million and outlining a five-year lease that can be renewed for an additional three years.

Published in the Official Gazette (BO) on Wednesday, the tender is part of Macau’s broader effort to diversify tourism beyond gaming. The venue remains the city’s largest outdoor performance space, with capacity for more than 50,000 spectators and flexible arrangements depending on event needs.

According to the tender, bids are due by 5 p.m. on Oct. 12, and applicants must submit a provisional deposit of MOP336,000. The successful bidder will later need to provide a final deposit of MOP5 million to guarantee the performance of the contract.

The bureau said the venue is intended to support cultural and entertainment activity in Cotai and encourage more consistent use of the site. It added that the winning operator should be able to combine commercial programming with public access and innovation.

Eligibility rules differ for solo bidders and consortiums. Independent bidders must be Macau-based companies already engaged in venue management or related business. Consortiums may include up to five members, but at least one member must be registered in Macau, and another must have experience managing performance venues or major events, while holding at least 30% of the group.

Bids will remain valid for 180 days from the announcement date, during which applicants cannot change their terms or withdraw. A site visit is scheduled for July 22, with registration closing the day before.

Evaluation will give greater weight to technical merit than to price. Technical factors account for 70% of the score and include event programming, free public events, commercial use plans, innovation, and operational experience. Price makes up the remaining 30%, based mainly on rent and additional revenue from events.

The tender will culminate in a public hearing on Oct. 13, when bidders or their representatives may respond to questions.

In parallel, the bureau has also opened applications for the “Enjoy Stage,” a smaller, community-oriented facility at the venue. It is designed for modest performances and cultural activities, with the bureau saying it “is suitable for small- and medium-sized community music performances, community cultural promotion activities, and street dance performances, among others.”

According to bureau materials, Enjoy Stage comes with a large tent, sound system, lighting equipment, and LED screens. Two lighting and sound technicians will also be available to help coordinate technical arrangements. Applicants may add their own equipment if needed.

The IC stated that it reserves the right of priority use of the venue and may cancel or change approved activities. It also has final authority over the revision, interpretation, and implementation of these rules.

IC opens tender for 2026 New Year’s Eve Concert

The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) has launched a public tender for the 2026 Macau New Year’s Eve Concert, which will be held at Sai Van Lake Square from 10 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2026, to 12:10 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2027.

The fixed-price contract has a maximum value of MOP5.5 million, with a provisional deposit of MOP110,000 and a final guarantee equivalent to 4% of the contract value. The service period will last 16 days, from Dec. 21, 2026, to Jan. 5, 2027, according to the tender documents.

Bids must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Aug. 7, while a clarification session is scheduled for July 24.

The IC said applicants must be registered in Macau and demonstrate the technical and financial capacity required to deliver the event. Consortium bids will not be accepted.

Tender evaluations will consider several factors, including pricing, concert execution plans, stage design, previous experience, and the proportion of Macau-based workers involved in the project.