The Macao Tourism Government Office (MGTO) will host a 10-day market in ZAPE, starting next Friday on 15 August. According to multiple media reports, the event aims to transform Rua de Cantão, Rua de Pequim, and Rua de Xangai into vibrant pedestrian zones filled with food stalls and cultural booths.
Under the theme “Seeking Flavours” the market will highlight local specialties from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the district, alongside Southeast Asian cuisine from the nearby “Three Lamps” area, Rotunda de Carlos da Maia.
Cheng Wai Tong, deputy director of MGTO emphasised that the primary purpose of this market is to attract visitors to ZAPE and support local SMEs.
[See more: Macao’s government is taking steps to boost business in the ZAPE district]
The 10-day market has a budget of 4.6 million patacas (roughly US$570,000), and MGTO will be contributing 3.6 million patacas (US$445,000), he said.
These plans occur in light of challenges posed by the impending closure of nearby satellite casinos. SJM, Galaxy and Melco announced in June that they would be collectively closing down 11 of their third-party satellite casinos by the year’s end, a move that is forecasted to negatively impact surrounding businesses in ZAPE.
The government says it will implement measures such as installing attractions, promoting local events and upgrading the area’s infrastructure to combat the expected downturn for ZAPE’s business owners.
