The Macau government has revealed that the NAPE food and cultural creativity market, held from 15 August, generated MOP$200,000 (US$25,000) in sales in its first four days.
The festival is part of a series of events planned by the government to attract tourists and residents in response to the recent news that Macau’s satellite casinos would cease operations by the end of this year. Several of those satellites, including Kam Pek Paradise and Landmark, are located in NAPE and have long been a primary driver of footfall to the area.
The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) collaborated with local community organizations to arrange the 10-day Macau NAPE food and cultural creativity market from 15 August. The government allocated MOP$3.6 million (US$450,000) to support the event, inviting 33 local businesses specializing in food and cultural creativity to set up stalls in the area.
MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes revealed during a local media interview that the first four days of operation attracted approximately 36,000 visitors, averaging 9,100 per day.
“The total revenue over the four days was approximately MOP$200,000, with some stalls achieving standout sales exceeding MOP$10,000 (US$1,250) per day,” she said.
Senna Fernandes noted that the market’s performance was considered satisfactory, but there are currently no plans to extend its operating hours.
However, while the market attracted approximately 36,000 visitors over four days, average spend per person amounted to just MOP$5.55 (US$0.69).
Additionally, some merchants from the NAPE area reported not being invited to participate in the market. Fernandes explained that the benefits of the market extend beyond the stalls within the market itself, with surrounding merchants also benefiting.
“The increased foot traffic has boosted business for surrounding merchants,” she said. “It’s not just about helping local merchants; we also hope to introduce new ideas and products to attract more people to the area.”
