Macau’s former red-light district is poised to tap into evening activities to attract customers and footfall.
The plan was revealed by Linda Chen, president of Wynn Macau, during a media interview on the sidelines of a company event on Tuesday.
As part of its contractual obligations with the government, the casino operator was tasked with revitalising Rua da Felicidade, a centuries-old street known for its sex trade past.
The “Street of Happiness”, which was bustling until at least the 1940s, will soon be home to bars, Chen said, adding that celebrities would also be brought in to raise the street’s profile.
The street has been pedestrianised for most of the day since late September last year.
“It would take some time to meet the various needs of businesses in terms of improving facilities or communicating with business owners, as the street is a relatively time-honoured area with a history,” she said.
According to her, more than 10 small and medium-sized businesses have moved into the street.
Looking ahead to this summer, Chen painted a rosy picture, saying that the raft of policies announced by the central government would benefit the city.
“An additional pipeline of facilities and events is on the way,” she added. “I believe Macau’s economic environment and tourism will continue to improve.”
Macau’s average hotel occupancy rate reached 85.2 per cent in 2023, an increase of 47 percentage points year-on-year.
The positive trend will continue upward, she said, citing Wynn Macau’s own steady occupancy rate.
