South China Morning Post reported a recent change at the city's famed casinos that has stirred up local concerns. Casinos, known for their free food offerings to attract visitors, have decided to scale back on these perks following complaints from nearby restaurants.
Nearby dining establishments report struggling to recover post-pandemic, with tourists increasingly opting for casino freebies instead of dining out.
Are drinks free in the Macau Casino?
Before this move, Macau casinos offered free food and drinks to anyone over 21, contributing to their allure as entertainment hubs.
This change follows reports that local eateries have suffered due to reduced patronage from tourists and residents. Many visitors, enticed by the prospect of free meals, avoided traditional dining spots, which analysts believed impacted the hospitality sector in Macau.
Maintaining Macau's free food offerings could perpetuate an unsustainable economic model for the city's hospitality industry. It might also deter visitors from exploring other aspects of the city beyond the casinos, limiting their spending in sectors like retail and cultural attractions.
Restaurant owners, like Moon Tong Ut-i of the longstanding Riquexo, expressed dismay over their struggles. Tong noted that while there was a brief recovery period after the pandemic, the reopening of borders and subsequent outflow of residents to mainland China has dealt a severe blow to local businesses.
Similarly, retailers near popular tourist attractions like the Ruins of St Paul also reported sluggish recovery rates.
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