Commissioned by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao S.A.R. and conducted by the Institute For Tourism Studies, the latest (Year 2007) survey report about visitors’ and residents’ opinions regarding the Macao Grand Prix (referred hereon as “MGP”) has been compiled.
The survey was conducted between October and December 2007 and successfully completed 5,075 visitor cases by location interview, and 10,377 local resident cases by telephone interview. This resulted in a total of 15,452 cases, with respondents aged 15 or above.
Survey results show that among the respondents, 61% of visitors and 47% of local residents had watched the 2007 MGP. It was observed an increasing trend of spectators when compared with respondents’ reported cases of viewing of the MGP in 2003. In that year, only 23% of visitors and 45% of residents watched the MGP.
Visitors and residents exhibit very different behaviour watching MGP. Generally, visitors tend to watch MGP with family and friends more than residents. They are also more willing to buy tickets (81%) and watch from the spectator stands. On the other hand, most residents (88%) watch MGP on television.
As the host of an annual racing event in South East Asia, Macao needs to monitor the development of motor sports in neighbouring areas. When asked about the knowledge of other racing venues, majority of visitors and residents had heard of or attended the Shanghai Formula 1 race and races in Zhuhai. These two places are also considered by the respondents as possible future destinations for watching car races. One noticeable finding is that more than 10% of the respondents showed interest in attending the inaugural Singapore Formula 1 race, to be hosted at the end of September 2008.
When the respondents were asked for reasons for not watching MGP, nearly 40% felt the schedule was inconvenient. Another reason cited by visitors was expensive ticket price while some residents expressed lack of interest in motor sports.
The respondents were asked to express their agreement or disagreement to a list of MGP functions and features. Both residents and visitors agreed that MGP could earn Macao prestige (Visitors’ mean score: 4.13; Residents: 3.96: Maximum score: 5), followed by MGP being important to Macao’s tourism development (Visitors: 4.01; Residents: 3.79) and being one of the leading attractions of Macao (Visitors: 4.00; Residents: 3.95). Most importantly, respondents strongly agreed that MGP should be continued, as seen from an average score of 4.13 in the visitor and 3.91 in the resident group.
Regarding the impacts of MGP on the local community, visitors and residents agreed most with MGP’s ability to bring in more tourists (Visitors: 4.08; Residents: 3.83) and enhance Macao’s international image (Visitors: 4.08; Residents: 3.82). This is followed by MGP’s ability to increase tourist spending (Visitors: 4.02; Residents: 3.77). On the other hand, both groups perceived that MGP brought certain negative effects such as increases littering, noise pollution, public area crowdedness, and traffic congestion.
Respondents were asked to offer recommendations to improve the organisation and implementation of MGP. Among those who had raised suggestions, 45% of visitors and 71% of residents thought that traffic was the one area that needed improvement the most, followed by making available ticket discounts and souvenirs (Visitors: 45%; Residents: 12%) and doing more promotion (Visitors: 41%; Residents: 13%). Some 20% of respondents also hoped to minimise environmental pollution, which has been a global topic of concern.
In the survey, there are some findings about visitors that warrant discussion. It was found that 69% of the surveyed visitors had visited Macao more than once and among them half came primarily for MGP. Secondly, MGP visitors had visited Macao more often before than non-MGP visitors (13 times vs. 8 times). Also, their median length of stay in Macao was longer (3 days vs. 2 days). However, they usually had fewer trip companions than non-MGP visitors (4 persons vs. 7 persons). Survey results show that MGP visitors did not spend more in Macao than the non-MGP visitors. In fact, they spent less by USD13 (average USD444 vs. USD457).
Based on the findings, authorities can consider exploring new sources to attract more racing spectators. In particular, consideration could be made to offer special ticket price to local residents to motivate them to watch the race at the circuit. This could create among residents a feeling that MGP is not only an attraction for tourists, but also an important local community event. In addition to the annual marketing efforts for MGP, promotion should also be targeted at local residents to increase their knowledge and interest in motor sports. It is important to keep abreast of the latest development in motor sports activities in neighbouring countries, evaluate the impact on MGP and formulate strategies and plans. In view of traffic and environmental problems that arise during the MGP period, it is suggested that departments devise solutions to minimise the negative impacts and make these plans known so as to earn residents’ understanding and support. Lastly, different sources of spectator should be explored with the objective of improving average visitor expenditure during the MGP period.
For any comments and queries about this survey, please kindly contact the Institute For Tourism Studies.
