The Macao government has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of a huge tourism and culture complex that chief executive Sam Hou Tai previously likened to Sydney’s waterfront.
The government plans to utilise coastal areas on both the Macau Peninsula and Taipa for the cultural and tourism zones, which will focus on exhibitions, performing art and smart technology, “aligning with Macao’s identity as a city of performing arts,” Sam added.
The new zones – including the area surrounding the Macau Science Centre and Cultural Centre, and the former Ocean World location – are expected to attract world-class events in collaboration with institutions like the Palace of Versailles and the British Museum.
The Macau Jockey Club and land adjacent to Macau International Airport are also possible sites for development of tourism and culture-led infrastructure.
“Our goal is to develop a comprehensive coastal tourism destination within five to 10 years, similar to what Sydney has achieved,” Sam said when launching the project for public consultation in April.
The integrated tourism site is one of several flagship infrastructure projects under planning development: the Macau-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, the Macau International Integrated Tourism and Cultural Zone, the Macau International Airport Transport Hub on the West Bank of the Pearl River Estuary, and the Macau Sci-Tech Park.