Transportation infrastructure key to boosting foot traffic in ZAPE, CE says

The 10-day “ZAPE Taste Jam” market concluded yesterday, with Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai emphasizing that roadways and transportation infrastructure are crucial for attracting more visitors to the area.

The Chief Executive, along with Secretary for Economy and Finance Anton Tai and Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raymond Tam, conducted a visit on Saturday that was closed to the public and not communicated to the media.

A statement from the Government Information Bureau (GCS) following Sam’s visit highlighted that the visit aimed to evaluate the market’s weekend appeal, engage with stall operators, including those from the ZAPE district, and gather feedback from stakeholders on enhancing the district’s economic development.

The GCS also noted that Sam purchased locally made cultural and creative products to support local businesses and spoke with residents and tourists during the visit.

Sam described the “ZAPE Taste Jam” as a pilot initiative to revitalize the local business environment, incorporating culinary, cultural, creative, and entertainment elements.

He said the event aimed to showcase Macau’s rich gastronomic culture as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy while fostering collaboration with neighboring businesses to attract visitors to the ZAPE district.

According to the GCS statement, the Chief Executive also visited the Avenida da Amizade area near the event venue and the NAPE area through a nearby public car park.

During this visit, the Chief Executive examined the availability and condition of parking spaces and assessed how well pedestrians could move between Avenida da Amizade, ZAPE, and NAPE.

The GCS noted that Sam’s visit demonstrates the government’s commitment to working with local organizations to enhance the market. It also reflects a comprehensive approach to planning pedestrian routes between districts, especially in improving walkability between ZAPE and NAPE, while continuously optimizing parking facilities.

“The government will work with associations that co-organize the market, neighborhood organizations, and chambers of commerce to assess the market’s performance, identify areas for improvement, and refine future plans for foot traffic flow,” the GCS quoted Sam as saying.

He emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to planning pedestrian routes between districts, particularly by improving walkability between ZAPE and NAPE.

Additionally, he noted the need to continuously optimize parking facilities in the area to increase foot traffic, stimulate spending, and enhance the economic vitality of the districts.