As concerts, sports competitions and festivals have become common in Macau, locals hold mixed views on whether large-scale events bring benefits or inconvenience.
The Post spoke to five residents yesterday, who expressed rather different views on how such events affect daily life, the economy, and who ultimately benefits the most.
Susana, 24, said the impact of large-scale events largely depends on the location and organisation. Recalling concerts held near the Macau Olympic Sports Centre Stadium in Taipa, she described them as “really disturbing,” particularly for families with different work schedules. While she acknowledged that these events attract tourists and are profitable, she stressed that poor planning can create chaos and “bring negative effects to Macau”. On the economic front, Susana noted that Macau has long relied on the gambling industry, and while diversification towards more non-gaming entertainment is understandable after COVID-19, she questioned its long-term sustainability given the city’s size. Still, she believes both locals and tourists can benefit through increased job opportunities and cultural exposure, even though crowding inevitably affects daily life in a city as small as Macau.
John, 20, focused more on practical inconvenience. He said concerts often lead to traffic jams and overcrowded integrated resort restaurants, with long waiting times. Although John agreed that large events can help the economy, he felt the government should ensure visitors spend more time and money in the city. During major events, he deliberately avoids dining in the city’s integrated resorts to dodge congestion.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old Omar took a more positive view. He said that “the growing presence of international acts and major events is obvious”, adding he believed that the benefits outweigh the inconvenience. In his view, Macau, as a tourism- and gambling-centric city, already experiences heavy visitor flows regardless of events. He said large-scale events give tourists another reason to visit, especially when held in Cotai’s integrated resort district, where spending on accommodation, dining and shopping extends economic benefits beyond a single day. Omar insisted that locals benefit in a broader sense, as such events raising Macau’s global profile and allowing residents to enjoy international exposure without having to travel abroad. Aside from the Macau Grand Prix (MGP), he said, his daily routine is largely unaffected.
Moreover, Ela, 23, shared a similar sentiment, saying large-scale events do not inconvenience her because she lives far from typical venues. However, Ela said she believes these events help the economy, particularly by attracting international visitors, but noted that locals mainly benefit only if they are genuinely interested in the events, while tourists tend to be more enthusiastic overall.
Another interviewee, 23-year-old Kian viewed the increase in large-scale events as a positive step for Macau’s long-term development. He said hosting more events is “healthy for Macau” as it helps reduce the city’s heavy reliance on the gambling industry. In terms of inconvenience, Kian pointed to the Macau Grand Prix as the main disruption, noting that road closures at that time often lead to traffic congestion. Economically, he said, large events help attract tourists, who in turn spend money in restaurants, hotels and shops. Kian also said he believes locals benefit more overall, as such events make the city “livelier” and provide residents with more recreational options. However, he added, his daily routine can be affected during major events such as the Macau Grand Prix, as he needs to leave home earlier to avoid traffic delays.
The vox pop suggests that while large-scale events are widely seen as an economic boost and a step towards economic diversification, their impact on daily life varies by location, planning and personal lifestyle. For some residents, congestion and disruption remain concerns, while others see such events as a natural part of Macau’s evolution into a more diverse international city.
This handout image downloaded from the official Macau Grand Prix (MGP) website yesterday shows Formula 4 cars in action during the 72nd MGP, one of Macau’s large-scale annual events, on November 17 last year.
