2. Comparing to neighboring areas, what kinds of strengths and weaknesses does Macau possess?
1.
Macau is one of the two Special Administrative Regions (SAR) of China, with an area of 29.5 square kilometres and a population of about 631,000 (DSEC, 2014). As a popular Asian travel destination, it is heavily reliant on tourism to support its economy. In the third quarter of 2014, Macau visitor arrivals increased by visitor arrivals increased by 11% year-on-year to 2,654,18 (DSEC, 2014). Tourism industry is the most important industry in Macau. It mainly focuses on gaming, hotel, culture and heritage, shopping, and cuisine.
Source: DSEC, (2014). (accessed 03/12/2014) http://www.dsec.gov.mo/Statistic.aspx?NodeGuid=d45bf8ce-2b35-45d9-ab3a-ed645e8af4bb
Since the liberation of the gaming license in 2002, Macau’s GDP has increased from MOP 63,579 million in 2003 to MOP 413,471 million in 2013. Receipts from gaming and related Services increases from MOP 44, 043 million in 2004 to MOP 363,071 million in 2013 (DSEC, 2014). Macau has been widely recognized for its tourism industry, particularly in relation to gaming tourism and is fast growing as the casino capital of the world.
Source: DSEC, (2014). (accessed 03/12/2014) http://www.dsec.gov.mo/Statistic.aspx?NodeGuid=d45bf8ce-2b35-45d9-ab3a-ed645e8af4bb
The significant increase in the number of tourists visiting Macau boosts the hotel industry. Many international companies, especially chain hotels, established businesses in Macau including Wynn Resort, Venetian, MGM and Melco Entertainment Group, etc. Besides the foreign investments, some domestic hotels start reconstructing and developing the exiting business. Due to this reason, both quality and quantity of hotel rooms are increased in order to differentiate itself in this keen competition. Today, there are more than 90 hotel establishments in Macau and the comprehensive hotel complex would be good