Macau leads the way – entertainment complexes are about much more than gambling

When the Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra talks about building a so-called “Entertainment Complex”, it is easy for thoughts to get stuck on the word casinoBut in practice, the model is about something much bigger – just like in Macau.

Macau, often called the Monte Carlo of Asia, is world-famous for its gambling industry. But to understand what the Prime Minister wants to create in Thailand, you have to look up and see what really draws tourists to Macau today: culture, shows, shopping and world-class experiences.

Historic charm in the middle of the entertainment industry

At the heart of Macau lies the historic district, a remnant of the area's Portuguese colonial past. Chinese temples and Catholic churches stand side by side, and the streets are lined with pastel-colored European-style buildings.

The most popular destinations:

• The ruins of St. Paul's – symbol of all of Macau.
• Senado Square – a square that reminds us more of Lisbon than Asia.
• A-Ma Temple – older than the city of Macau itself.
• Monte Fort & Macau Museum – view, history and understanding.

It is these types of experiences that show that an entertainment complex does not have to displace culture – on the contrary, it can provide resources to preserve it.

Food, flavors and meetings

Just as the Prime Minister advocates a holistic approach where tourism and food experiences go hand in hand, Macau's food culture is an example to follow. Here, Chinese and Portuguese influences blend in dishes such as damn, Portuguese chicken and the famous Pasteis De Nata.

It's not fine dining that draws people – it's local feel, aroma and authenticity. If Thailand can weave its own food culture into a similar concept, it will be something completely different than just another luxury hotel with games.

From fountain shows to bungee jumping

Many people who visit Macau today don't do it to gamble. They come for shows like The House of Dancing Water, shopping in Studio City, or to go up the Macau Tower and jump down from the world's highest bungee jump.

And yes – there are indoor gondolas at the Venetian Macao, for those who would rather have an Instagram photo than a jackpot.

Greener than you think

Coloane and Taipa – Macau’s two more laid-back islands – offer temples, colourful houses, beaches and walking trails, and many tourists combine a few hours among the flashing neon signs with an evening at an outdoor café in one of the villages.

It is precisely the kind of balance that makes the model work – and from which Thailand can draw inspiration.

Conclusion: Entertainment complexes can be cultural carriers, not cultural threats

Macau shows that a modern entertainment complex does not have to be a threat to local identity – rather, it can become an engine that enables concerts, historical preservation and new jobs.

If Thailand chooses to do what Macau did – but in its own way – there is the opportunity to create something far greater than a casino. Something that people from all over the world want to experience. Not play away.

Also read the entire article series about entertainment complexes and the future of tourism:

• Thailand's vision: A new entertainment complex as an economic engine
• Macau: How an entertainment complex works in practice
• Singapore: Marina Bay Sands and the ecosystem behind its success
• Lessons from the world – risks and failures of entertainment complexes

Text: The editorial staff

Image license: AndyLeungHK, Pixabay, original image