The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) claimed Wednesday that less than 5% of visitors to Macau are there specifically to gamble, describing the city’s image as having changed dramatically.

The ambitious figure was stated by MGTO Deputy Director Cheng Wai Tong during an appearance on Radio Macau.

“Today, 85% of visitors to Macau are young people aged between 18 and 35, mostly women, and their spending is mainly on shopping and dining,” Cheng said.

“Less than 5% of visitors come to Macau specifically to gamble, so the image of Macau as a tourist city has changed. In recent years, the MGTO has launched more online promotions targeting the younger segment of the tourism industry, and Macau’s tourism products have become more youthful.”