Macau Chief Executive Candidate Pushes for More Casino Residency Shows

The vibrant city of Macau is poised for dynamic changes as its sole candidate for Chief Executive, Sam Hou Fai, unveils an ambitious vision to bolster the region’s tourism industry. In a recent town hall meeting, Sam outlined his strategy to harness the appeal of residency shows by casino operators as a catalyst for economic growth and competitive advantage.

Sam Hou Fai, the former president of Macau’s Court of Final Appeal, highlighted Macau’s need to overcome its current competitive disadvantages compared to neighboring powerhouses like Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Despite the opportunities presented by the Greater Bay Area initiative, Sam argued, Macau has yet to fully capitalize on its potential.

“In various sectors, we are lagging behind,” Sam noted, pointing out that Macau must enhance its competitiveness against Shenzhen’s technological prowess, Guangzhou’s comprehensive capabilities, and Hong Kong’s financial strength.

Part of Sam Hou Fai’s strategy involves positioning Macau as a World Center for Tourism and Leisure by integrating high-profile concerts and shows into the city’s offerings, drawing parallels to the successful tourism models seen in Dubai. In a push for diversification beyond the casino-driven economy, Sam’s vision aligns with past calls by President Xi Jinping to expand Macau’s economic foundations into areas like healthcare, finance, innovation, and culture.

Under this vision, the heads of Macau’s six casino concessionaires have pledged their support to jointly market the city as a global destination. These operators are expected to leverage their substantial investments—amounting to approximately MOP100 billion patacas ($12.5 billion)—towards enriching non-gaming experiences, a stipulation tied to their 10-year license renewals.

Despite a missed opportunity to bring British music star Adele for a lucrative residency, Sam emphasized the potential for similar future engagements. He acknowledged the disappointment over Adele’s decision, attributed to family commitments, but remained optimistic about other possibilities.

Highlighting positive developments, Sam noted the imminent revival of “The House of Dancing Water” show at City of Dreams, returning after a four-year hiatus. This renowned production combines elements of acrobatics, dance, and diving, and has been a cultural fixture in Macau since 2010.

Looking forward, Sam Hou Fai assures that his administration will scrutinize the effectiveness of casino operators’ investments in non-gaming initiatives to ensure they meet strategic goals. His campaign, which has been actively engaging local communities since August, aims to secure his leadership with the backing of an election committee set to vote on October 13th.

As Sam Hou Fai presents a comprehensive blueprint for Macau’s future, his emphasis on residency shows and cultural attractions promises to reinvigorate the city’s appeal, attracting tourists and elevating its stature on the global stage.