Hengqin – synergy and competition

The potential for cooperation with Hengqin is huge, but at the same time it represents a challenge for Macau’s tourism.

“We clearly need to adapt for the new reality, not just strengthen our existing image,” believes Desmond Lam, Professor in Integrated Resort and Tourism Management, University of Macau.

“We need to be, somehow, distinctive. The Greater Bay Area offers an opportunity for Macau to rethink its long-term destination image strategy,” Professor Lam tells Macau Business, summarizing the situation: the opportunities are huge, but we have to work on them.

A very specific issue: if more tourists choose to stay in hotels in Hengqin (and Zhuhai in general) instead of staying overnight in Macau, that will not be good for the local economy.

“Hotels in Macau, especially those within the Integrated Resorts, are well recognized in the world as top-quality hotels, and a number of them have received top international hotel awards. Therefore, many of the hotels in Macau already have certain level of attractiveness to tourists,” explains Amy So, Adjunct Associate Professor, Centre of Macau Studies, University of Macau.

“The issue is whether or not our hotels can have reasonable room rates that attract tourists to stay,” she adds.

Source: https://www.macaubusiness.com/special-report-hengqin-synergy-and-competition/