House of Cards—An analysis of Macao’s resident support for tourism and casino development

• Published in: Tourism and hospitality research Vol. 16; no. 2; pp. 144 - 157
• Main Authors: McCartney, Glenn, In, Winnie Lei Weng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE 01-04-2016; SAGE Publications; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Attitudes; Casinos; Consumer attitudes; Costs; Economic development; Economic growth; Economic impact; Employment; GDP; Gross Domestic Product; Longitudinal studies; Perceptions; Social exchange theory; Social impact; Statistical analysis; Tourism; Tourism development; Travel; Variables; Macao; social exchange theory; casino tourism; resident attitudes; Community impacts
• ISSN: 1467-3584; 1742-9692
• DOI: 10.1177/1467358415600215

Tourism contribution to Macao’s gross domestic product in 2013 was 86% positioning it as a global leader in terms of reliance on tourism revenues, to which casinos contribute over 90%. Most Macao residents are linked to tourism’s economic success yet this study shows the rapid development has created negative sentiment toward the industry and specifically casinos. While acknowledging economic benefits, this study showed residents were concerned more about traffic congestion, overcrowding, and living costs with a greater wish for improved public transportation and leisure offerings and less casino development emphasis. A tourism development strategy firmly focused on tourism diversification issues was urgently suggested.