Non-gaming spend up 13.3 percent in 16Q4

Saturday 25th of February 2017

Non-gaming spend from visitors to Macau rose 13.3 percent to MOP 14.8 billion (US$1.85 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2016, according to data from the Statistics and Census Bureau (DSEC).

Overnight visitors saw the biggest leap in non-gaming spending, rising 15.8 percent year-on-year to MOP 12 billion in 16Q4, while same-day visitor spending rose 3.6 percent year-on-year to MOP2.8 billion, according to the data.

Per-capita spending of visitors went up 10.2 percent year-on-year to MOP 1,830, with mainland Chinese per-capita spending up 11.3 percent year-on-year to MOP 2,157.

For the full-year 2016, total spending of visitors on non-gaming reached MOP 52.7 billion, up 3 percent from MOP 51.13 billion in 2015.

According to data, shopping made up the majority of non-gaming spend, making up 44.3 percent of the total, followed by accommodation (26.9 percent) and food & beverage (20.8 percent).

Macau’s gaming concessionaires have placed a stronger focus on non-gaming amenities over the last few years, as the gaming market shifts from VIP to a mass oriented one.

Earlier this month, Bernstein noted that increasing overnight visitation and average visitor spend would be the drivers of growth in Macau’s mass market.

According to a note from the brokerage, Macau saw a significant change in its visitation breakdown in 2016, with overnight visitors increasing 10 percent year-on-year while day trippers saw a 7 percent decline.

“Overnight visitors spending one night in Macau spend over 1.7x more on gaming and non-gaming (excluding transport) than day-trippers, while those staying two nights spend 3.3x more,” said the brokerage.

“Sustainable growth in Mass is achievable in Macau over the long-run on continued growth in Chinese overnight visitation and increasing Premium Mass,” Bernstein added.

Visitors Non-gaming Spending