The development of hotels in Macau is heating up, and industry players are optimistic about opportunities in the "new Macau" market.

▲ Macau’s hotels are being updated in phases, with new ones continuously entering the market. In three years, Macau is expected to have a completely different look. (Photo / Reporter Lin Jieling)

Reported by Reporter Lin Jieling / Macau

The development of Macau is becoming increasingly intense. Currently, there are about 28,000 hotel rooms in Macau. Industry insiders estimate that between 2016 and 2017, at least another 13,000 rooms will enter the market, with the potential for another 50% increase in the following three years. Despite fierce competition, businesses remain optimistic that the "new Macau" still holds many opportunities.

In the first half of this year, Macau received 465,337 visitors, with 199,809 staying overnight, representing year-on-year growth of 1.59% and 7.5%, respectively. Hotel operators noted that due to the Macau government’s active efforts to diversify tourism, moving beyond just casinos, there has been a noticeable increase in both business and family travelers in recent times.

Hengqin, located quite close to Macau, has also recently developed an amusement park. While some operators worry it may draw visitors away from Macau, others believe it could actually complement Macau’s offerings and bring additional tourist traffic.

It is understood that,Sands China is currently constructing the "Parisian" hotel, a themed building that, upon completion, will feature a replica of the Eiffel Tower. It will have 3,000 rooms and is expected to be completed between 2016 and 2017. The Studio City project by Melco Crown is also projected to have 1,600 rooms, with an estimated opening in 2015. Wynn Palace will offer 1,700 rooms, MGM will have 2,000, and The St. Regis and others are all set to launch in the year after next.

Hotel operators in Macau believe that the hotels currently under construction are becoming increasingly themed. Some focus on luxury boutique experiences, while others cater to families and business travelers, showing growing diversity. Currently, Macau has 28,000 rooms, and by 2016, an additional 13,000 rooms are expected to enter the market. Overall, the number of rooms could increase by another 50% over the next three years, leading to very fierce competition.

However, operators point out that the tourism industry in the "new Macau" still has many opportunities. Major events such as the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest, the Macau International Music Festival, the Macau Grand Prix, and the Macau International Marathon, along with infrastructure projects like the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and the light rail (MTR), are all expected to be completed between 2016 and 2017. With improved transportation, the transformation of the hotel industry will be rapid and significant, offering consumers new experiences and a wider range of choices every year.