Lei Cheok Kuan, chairman of the Industry and Commerce Federation of the Macau Central and Southern District, announced on Saturday the official launch of “Alipay Fun Tour Macau, Explore the Central and Southern Districts” aiming to boost both districts’ economic vitality.
The event is co-organised by the federation and the Commercial Development Fund (FDIC) of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT).
According to a statement by the federation, the tour aims to establish an Alipay mini-programme, utilising innovative tech-driven models like “snapshot spots, lucky draws, and merchant voucher redemptions” alongside interactive offline installations. The initiative seeks to attract more visitors and residents to explore central Macau neighbourhoods, such as Rua do Campo (水坑尾街), Horta da Mitra (雀仔園), Rua de Cinco de Outubro (十月初五街), Rua da Felicidade (福隆新街), Avenida de Horta e Costa (高士德大馬路), and Rotunda de Carlos da Maia (三盞燈); while discovering “unique” local shops and other businesses to boost the area’s economic vitality, the statement said.
According to the statement, the campaign has already garnered “enthusiastic” participation from 50 featured stores and merchants in central Macau. Running from May 1 to August 31, visitors and locals can scan QR codes at interactive installations or participating stores to complete a “scratch-and-win” snapshot spot, earning them a chance to win vouchers redeemable at partner businesses, sponsored by the tour organisers.
Lei told the Post in a phone interview that it’s not just about Alipay but also about expanding the software of the third-party mobile and online payment platform with the aim of driving upgrades for Macau’s small, medium- and micro-enterprises. At the same time, the federation is collaborating with the government in revitalising the city’s six historic areas and even businesses outside the areas.
Today, Lei said, Generation Z is the main consumer group, and they can break through the limitations of tourist spots, exploring local areas with development potential, thereby creating more opportunities for tourism growth.
Lei also emphasised that future efforts will focus on continuously optimising the tour by gathering participant feedback, providing businesses with practical transformation strategies, and helping local businesses achieve sustainable growth amid evolving market conditions.
Meanwhile, the “Alipay Fun Tour in the Islands, In-Depth Exploration” campaign was launched on Friday. The event has brought together 50 featured shops and other businesses in Cotai and Coloane, encouraging tourists and residents to explore vibrant neighbourhoods such as Rua do Cunha (官也街), Rua dos Clérigos (地堡街) and Flora Garden (花城), boosting local economic growth, according to the statement.
This poster provided by Industry and Commerce Federation of the Macau Central and Southern District promotes “Alipay Fun Tour Macau, Explore the Central and Southern Districts”.
Tourists take snapshots of an “Explore the Central and Southern Districts” display installed at Albergue SCM on Saturday. Photo: Macau Central and Southern Districts Industrial and Commercial Federation.
