Inside Asian Gaming

IAG MAY 2023年5月 亞博匯 68 “Macau has often organized a variety of sports events, but our future strategy should be to upgrade the level of existing events,” Ho said. Macau, he added, should strive to organize high-level commercial sports competitions regularly, rather than hold one- off or uncompetitive sporting events. “Apart from being sponsors, gaming companies can also work with international or local sports associations to host various commercial sports events. Gaming companies can use their facilities as competition venues which will also enhance the possibilities for tourists to visit other recreational facilities in their resorts.” Although the Macau government listed sports tourism as a key focus area for Macau’s concessionaires under last year’s re-tendering process for new 10-year concessions, Johnson says the government must do its part too by formulating a clear direction for sports tourism development. “Not all sports events are suitable for Macau, and [it should be considered whether or not to hold] those that are not so popular and do not generate economic benefits,” he says. “The aim of developing sports tourism is to drive economic development, and this should be left to the market to decide. The government’s role is to coordinate, but not dictate, the whole direction of sports tourism development. “Some sporting events should be undertaken by private sector operators, who will have a better idea of whether those sporting events will have a positive impact.” Ho holds a similar view. “With the existing venues and exhibition facilities, the government and gaming companies can firstly focus on developing mainstream sports in Asia, such as table tennis, badminton, basketball and marathons,” he said. “These kinds of sporting events have a huge following in East and Southeast Asia.” IN FOCUS The Macau Grand Prix remains Macau’s most significant annual sporting drawcard. 澳門格蘭披治大賽車仍然是當地最重要的年度體育賽事。