Time for region to diversify, insiders say

Decline in gambling makes city look elsewhere to increase revenues and widen appeal to visitors

It is time for Macao to diversify its economy from an over-reliance on gambling, as this year may mark the city's first yearly decline in gaming revenue, industry insiders and analysts urge.

Macao is looking to develop as a leisurely tourist destination to offer visitors, mostly from the Chinese mainland, more quality experiences in addition to gaming, as declines in gaming revenue were reported in November for the sixth consecutive month.