Businesses in Macau's NAPE area are calling for stronger government support after seeing customer numbers fall sharply following the closure of satellite casinos, according to reports by Macao Daily.
While Macau recorded its highest ever New Year's Day visitor arrivals, the benefits were largely concentrated in major tourist zones, leaving NAPE noticeably quieter.
Local restaurant operators said the end of satellite casino operations has significantly reduced evening foot traffic, which had once been driven by casino patrons and nearby hotel guests. One café owner said overall revenue had dropped by about 15%, with nighttime trade particularly affected.
Previously, casino customers and hotel guests accounted for roughly 30% of sales, mostly during evening hours, complementing the steady lunchtime business from nearby students.
To adapt, the operator said the restaurant has shifted its pricing and menu strategy. Higher-priced items such as lamb hot pots and seafood sets have been scaled back, while more affordable rice plates, noodle dishes and set meals now take priority. Ingredient purchases have also been adjusted to reduce waste and control costs.
Despite record visitor numbers citywide, merchants said NAPE has not shared in the broader tourism rebound. Business owners noted that the district lacks major attractions and depends largely on hotel and casino spillover rather than destination-driven visits.
Government-organised festive events and photo installations in the area were described as having limited impact, with few visitors staying to spend.
Another restaurant owner echoed concerns over changing customer profiles. Since the satellite casinos closed, evening diners have mainly been younger hotel guests attending concerts or fan events. While willing to spend generously on entertainment, these customers tend to choose budget meals, such as fried noodles and iced lemon tea, rather than premium dishes once favored by high-spending gamblers.
Looking ahead, merchants described the business outlook as challenging. Several operators are revising opening hours, streamlining menus to improve efficiency and launching promotions or new products to attract customers.
However, many stressed that without stronger infrastructure, clearer positioning and targeted government measures, revitalizing the NAPE area's economy will remain difficult.
The NAPE area previously relied heavily on nearby satellite casinos to generate nighttime foot traffic and cross-district spending
