Scholars suggest sports, trade shows to boost Hengqin amid ‘lack of sufficient foot traffic’

As the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin marks the fifth anniversary of its establishment, some scholars have acknowledged that its first phase of development indeed “lacked sufficient foot traffic,” adding that hosting major sporting events and trade shows is an effective way to boost visitor numbers in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.

During public broadcaster TDM’s radio program on Macau-Hengqin cooperation, a listener suggested that sports events could drive tourism between the two regions, citing the successful combination of the “Craft Market” and the FIBA 3×3 international basketball tournament held in Hengqin in early April. She noted that the event attracted athletes from various countries, helping showcase Hengqin’s development while revitalizing the local economy.

Pointing out that hotel occupancy in Hengqin remains low, she said the arrival of athletes has stimulated consumption, while also serving as an entry point for the international community to understand China’s development and addressing Macau’s long-standing shortage of sports venues.

Describing tickets as sold out on the day, she expressed the belief that leveraging sports to drive Hengqin-Macau tourism is a “promising direction.”

In response, Yu Wai Hang, president of the Macau Regional Economic Research Association and one of four panelists, noted that the enthusiastic response to recent sports events in Hengqin demonstrates the local government’s active promotion of major events.

He said that Macau – a world-class tourism and leisure hub with a vibrant performing arts and cultural scene – could consider extending its events to Hengqin in the future, including holding the same event in both locations simultaneously or organizing touring exhibitions.

Yu pointed out that Hengqin possesses unique natural resources that Macau lacks, giving Hengqin’s events a distinct appeal. He described Macau’s limited urban space as a constraint that Hengqin can complement, adding that the two regions can “complement each other” in cultural and tourism development through differentiation.

Regarding conventions, exhibitions, performances and festive events, he said a “joint organization across both locations” model could be adopted – for example, holding an event in Macau before moving it to Hengqin. He expressed confidence that this approach will promote economic activity and exchanges between the two regions, jointly expanding the market.

Separately, some listeners inquired whether vehicles with Hengqin license plates will soon be allowed to travel north from the island.

According to the latest information shared during yesterday’s program, the State Council has approved a policy exempting Hengqin single-plate vehicles from guarantee requirements when traveling northbound, though the initial phase will be limited to eligible individuals. Specific implementation details are still pending announcement from relevant mainland authorities.

Lao Chi Long, a member of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, said the northbound travel policy for Hengqin single-plate vehicles must be implemented in phases.

He noted that the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge experiences severe congestion whenever Macau vehicles are allowed to travel north during weekends or holidays, with relevant departments still addressing the situation. If the policy were fully opened at once, Hengqin Port’s capacity would be questionable; therefore, space and time must be reserved for all sectors to gain experience and make adjustments.

He further emphasized a fundamental difference between single-plate vehicles and Macau vehicles traveling north – single-plate vehicles can enter Hengqin at any time once they obtain the necessary permit, with the main issue being how to exit the island and continue north.

He said phased implementation is the appropriate approach, allowing authorities to gradually optimize the system based on capacity and actual conditions so that more residents can benefit in the future and more convenient cross-border arrangements can be achieved.