MACAU — As the world’s biggest gaming hub looks to widen its economic base, two of its flagship events — the Macao International Fireworks Display Contest and the Macau Grand Prix — are set to deliver more than just entertainment. Analysts say the spectacles could help casinos and the city lock in higher gross gaming revenue (GGR) as 2025 winds down.
The 33rd Fireworks Contest, running from September 6 to October 6, will feature ten award-winning teams from across the globe. Scheduled to overlap with the Mid-Autumn Festival and China’s National Day Golden Week, the event is designed to flood the city with tourists during one of the busiest travel seasons. The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is banking on the contest to supercharge hotel occupancy, boost F&B sales, and keep visitors lingering in Cotai’s massive integrated resorts.
Then comes November’s main course: the 72nd Macau Grand Prix. Known worldwide for its tight street circuit and showcase races like the FIA GT and Formula 3 World Cup, the Grand Prix is as much a tourism driver as it is a motorsport spectacle. In past years, ticket sales alone pulled in more than MOP 17 million (about US $2.1 million). More importantly, it draws thousands of high-spending visitors, many of whom double their trackside thrills with nights at the baccarat tables.
For casinos, the timing couldn’t be better. After a softer summer, operators are eyeing the September-to-November stretch as the key to finishing the year strong. “These events are magnets,” said one gaming analyst in Hong Kong. “They fill hotel rooms, pack restaurants, and most critically, they spill over into the casinos. You can expect a healthy jump in GGR around the Golden Week and Grand Prix windows.”
Industry forecasts suggest Macau could see double-digit percentage growth in GGR compared to the same period in 2024 if visitor inflows hit expectations. With China’s economy showing signs of stabilization and regional air links expanding — including new routes from the Middle East and Central Asia — the city’s bet on events-driven tourism looks like a winning hand.
