Macau seems to be getting the same signal from every source: diversify. It appears their government may push to do just that, after remarks from Lionel Leong Vai Tac, their Secretary for Economy and Finance, to local reporters.

GGRAsia reports Leong, speaking for the government, believes that non-gambling attractions offer the best opportunity for the city’s tourism industry, by diversifying the attractions available. By increasing those attractions, the city could then make gambling more sustainable long term.

Leong confirmed that, among mass-market consumers (as opposed to VIP consumers), spending was diversified throughout the city, rather than focused on the casinos.

This is supported by both recent studies and international opinion as well. A census report in January revealed that of the 7.53 million repeat visitors Macau had in 2018, 69.2% came back because of good food and shopping, while only 9.1% came back for the gambling specifically. If the city can draw in even more mass market gamblers with alternative attractions, they might be tempted to play at the tables more as well.