By Ben Blaschke
Development of a “distinctive” family-friendly theme park and better utilization of Macau’s surrounding seas via water sports, yachting and sightseeing boat trips are among the key proposals unveiled on Thursday as the government released its long-awaited Macao Tourism Industry Development Master Plan.
More than two years in the making, the final version of the Master Plan was delivered by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), providing a detailed a blueprint for the development of Macau’s tourism industry in the next 15 years and a guideline for future actions. The Master Plan aims to steer Macau’s tourism industry parallel with development policies of the government, primarily its vision to build Macau into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure as previously laid out in 2016’s Five-Year Development Plan.
It proposes eight key objectives, 33 strategies and 91 action plans for short, medium and long-term implementation.
Among the many notable proposals put forward in the Master Plan is development of a theme park to attract different types of visitors, with the MGTO to help “determine the appropriate measures and requirements of developing a theme park such as theme, concept and scale.” The government’s timeline calls for completion within six to 10 years.
Another proposal is the development of water sightseeing tours around Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane and facilitation of boat-related entertainment programmes such as showcasing traditional fishing boats.
The Master Plan focuses heavily on potential water-based activities, with the MGTO to “identify the type of water sports that can be implemented within Macau’s water administrative zone” as well as “the locations for water sports and the corresponding supporting facilities.”
Other initiatives include developing a world-class, multi-use MICE complex and construction of an iconic cultural district with unique landmarks “incorporating with other public amenities and spaces such as waterfront green areas and parks to showcase a unique city image and provide a brand new recreational area to visitors and residents.”
Many of the new development areas will be located on the 3.5 square kilometers of reclaimed land planned for Macau, of which 12 % has been designated for tourism, cultural and leisure pursuits.
“The future new reclamation areas will provide opportunity to bring a diversity of new tourism elements to Macau,” the Master Plan states. “The development of a waterfront environment is considered as one of the most sustainable opportunities. Offering sufficient public leisure and open space for residents and visitors will be a win-win solution for Macau to achieve the vision of ‘World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.’
“In addition, there can be other tourism-related benefits such as the creation of a major sightseeing point, together with marine tourism to further develop international water events and festivals.”
The MGTO will re-evaluate and assess progress of the Master Plan every 12 months.
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