Special Report – Our good and old Grand Prix

Macau Business | November 2023 | Special Report | Our good and old Grand Prix


One-of-a-kind

More than an annual flagship event, the Macau Grand Prix has become a component of the city’s identity and a symbol of the “Tourism+ Sports” initiative. It also showcases the SAR’s external image as the Guia Circuit is recognized as a unique and special track.

As the MGP celebrates its 70th edition, spanning two weekends – just like in  the 50th and 60th editions – this special report delves into various aspects, including the event’s historical significance, its impact on the local economy, tourism development, and residents’ livelihoods.

As mentioned in this report by Ubaldino Couto, a prominent Macau-based scholar specializing in the MGP, even though residents in general tend to complain about the GP being a nuisance due to traffic congestion and overcrowding express their desire for the MGP to continue.

Surveys indicated that “everyone wanted the MGP to continue, retracting their dismay by claiming, ‘it’s just for a few days’.”

This year’s edition, the first with all major international races after three years of pandemic restrictions, also brings an unprecedented involvement from the six gaming concessionaires. They have been called upon to cover nearly half of the costs. For the SAR’s coffers, this means that the government will be spending the lowest amount in several years.

Co-ordinated by João Paulo Meneses [email protected]


“There’s plenty of interest and excitement”

Pun Weng Kun is upbeat about the 70th edition of the Macau Grand Prix, with the return of flagship international races and drivers and an extended programme, which includes a number of outreach activities.


Tourists like it

As a consolidated brand over time, MGP has a great capacity to attract visitors


Residents: love and mixed feelings

Macau residents recognise the importance and benefits of the MGP, with traffic congestion being a flipside


“Why has there never been a Formula 1 GP in Macau?”

Twice top Formula 1 officials considered the possibility of hosting a race at the Guia Circuit, but the track’s features ultimately posed insurmountable limitations for such an endeavour


“The most important event in Macau”

Whether before or after the liberalisation of the gaming industry, the Macau Grand Prix (MGP) continues to play a key role in shaping Macau’s image as a tourist destination


Spillover effect

Every pataca spent on MGP is multiplied by two. When media coverage is included, the return is six to seven times the investment.


The bills

Expenses regarding works rank first, followed by marketing and advertising


The Ladies’ Race

Just three years after the first MGP, a ladies’ race was organised. According to reports, three competitors participated, and Macanese Fernanda ‘Speedy’ Ribeiro won, driving a Fiat 1000 TV.


Lessening “dependency” on Hong Kong

Upon arriving in Macau in 1974, Governor Garcia Leandro found that the Macau GP was overly dependent on Hong Kong


Tourism+Sports

The government is focusing on the development of the concept of sports tourism in Macau and is counting on the support of the six gaming concessionaires


The Macau GP “belongs to Macau and its people”

Ubaldino Couto stands out as a leading Macau-based scholar on research related to the Macau Grand Prix. The IFTM professor believes that “residents feel very proud of this historical event, very much invested in their lives and history”