Macau plans to host major sports events

SAR looking to diversify its economy after casino and tourism hit hard during the Covid-19 crisis.

Macau.- Macau is taking steps to diversify its economy after the Coronavirus pandemic severely hit its main casino and tourism sectors.

The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Elsie Ao Ieong U, said today that the local government plans for Macau to host an international sports competition or event every month.

“I know that when it comes to sports tourism the President of the Sports Bureau (ID), Paul Pun Weng Kun, is already under a lot of pressure because what we want is to launch an international event, she said during the debate for the 2020 policy guidelines.

According to the Secretary, the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League, the Macau Grand Prix, the Macau Marathon and the annual dragon boat race are already “very successful events”.

She also said her office was looking to maintain the Macau Golf Open and was also attempting to host an international ping pong competition in June. The plans are subjected to the on-going Coronavirus situation.

“We also wanted to invite European national teams to compete at the Taipa Stadium but it will depend on the evolution of the pandemic,” the Secretary said.