Macau diversifying beyond casinos into sports, culture, arts
The Straits Times|December 24, 2024
MACAU - "The most exciting thing for me is riding on a circuit like this - there's nothing else like it in the world," said 52-year-old British motorcycle racer Michael Rutter about the Guia Circuit in Macau.
Macau diversifying beyond casinos into sports, culture, arts

In November, the 71st Macau Grand Prix roared into action, attracting world-class racers to this small coastal city of just 33 sq km. This iconic sporting event epitomises the Special Administrative Region's (SAR) potential as a sports hub.

Over the years, Macau has embraced a strategy to diversify its economy, moving beyond its historic reliance on the gaming industry.

The government's commitment to building a "city of sports" has led to many high-profile events, such as the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Men's and Women's World Cup, Macao International Marathon and Macao International Dragon Boat Races. According to the event organiser, tickets for the ITTF World Cup semi-finals and finals sold out almost instantly.

In his 2024 policy address, Macau's chief executive Ho Iat Seng proposed hosting at least two international sports events monthly. He said building a "city of sports" would enhance its reputation as a world centre of tourism.

Rutter said that although the track has not changed much, the city - with its new buildings and infrastructure - has evolved massively over his 30 years of racing there.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE STRAITS TIMESView all
COD IS KING IN PORTUGAL
The Straits Times

COD IS KING IN PORTUGAL

Salt cod has long been a national staple in Portugal, where it is said there are as many recipes for this humble fish as there are days in the year.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 24, 2024
Comedian Mark Lee's drag queen comedy Number 1's sequel to be released over CNY
The Straits Times

Comedian Mark Lee's drag queen comedy Number 1's sequel to be released over CNY

The hit drag queen comedy Number 1, which landed Singaporean comedian Mark Lee a Best Leading Actor nomination at the Golden Horse Awards in 2020, will soon return for a sequel.

time-read
1 min  |
December 24, 2024
Lion King prequel falls prey to Sonic the Hedgehog at box office
The Straits Times

Lion King prequel falls prey to Sonic the Hedgehog at box office

LOS ANGELES - Disney's mighty lion Mufasa... eaten alive by a hedgehog? Action-adventure comedy film Sonic The Hedgehog 3, directed by Jeff Fowler, collected roughly US$62 million (US$84 million) in its first weekend in North American theatres, according to Comscore, which compiles box-office data.

time-read
1 min  |
December 24, 2024
Jang Na-ra bags grand prize at K-drama awards show
The Straits Times

Jang Na-ra bags grand prize at K-drama awards show

South Korean singer and actress Jang Na-ra and trot singer Lee Chan-won wrapped up 2024 triumphantly, taking home top honours at drama and entertainment awards ceremonies held over the weekend.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 24, 2024
Lively's co-stars show her support
The Straits Times

Lively's co-stars show her support

Blake Lively sexual harassment lawsuit

time-read
2 mins  |
December 24, 2024
Macau diversifying beyond casinos into sports, culture, arts
The Straits Times

Macau diversifying beyond casinos into sports, culture, arts

MACAU - \"The most exciting thing for me is riding on a circuit like this - there's nothing else like it in the world,\" said 52-year-old British motorcycle racer Michael Rutter about the Guia Circuit in Macau.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 24, 2024
Turning snow into gold
The Straits Times

Turning snow into gold

China's winter sports boom is expected to propel its ice-and-snow economy past $187 billion in 2025

time-read
4 mins  |
December 24, 2024
Baring it all in Germany's spa towns
The Straits Times

Baring it all in Germany's spa towns

Celebrate the country's hot springs and history of wellness at Baden-Baden, Bad Homburg and Wiesbaden

time-read
5 mins  |
December 24, 2024
One of the toughest tables to book in Paris? It's in Disneyland
The Straits Times

One of the toughest tables to book in Paris? It's in Disneyland

As soon as we booked the Eurostar from London to Paris, we began scouting the most important element of our trip: where to eat.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 24, 2024
In Scotland to taste a CULINARY RENAISSANCE
The Straits Times

In Scotland to taste a CULINARY RENAISSANCE

A new generation of entrepreneurs and chefs is showcasing traditional and contemporary Scottish cuisine

time-read
5 mins  |
December 24, 2024