The Macau government is encouraging casinos to limit the amount of free food it hands out and says it hasn’t led to a drop in visitor numbers. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

The Macau government is encouraging casinos to limit the free food and drinks they hand out on their gaming floors to try to boost sales at neighborhood businesses.

Macau Government Tourism Office Deputy Director Hoi Io Meng remarked that this move shouldn’t hurt the number of visitors to the region. He pointed toward the latest figures which show that more than 110,000 people arrive at the special administrative region each day, which is not a drop versus comparable periods.

trend of influencers on mainland China showing people how to have low-cost trips

Hoi maintained that the main reason people come to Macau isn’t for the free food, despite a recent trend of influencers on mainland China showing people how to have low-cost trips by taking advantage of these perks. The authorities are cracking down on unsanctioned tours that take in casinos and their complimentary snacks.