Macau tourism on the upswing, exceeding 2024 YTD numbers
So far this year, more than 20 million people have visited the gaming mecca of Macau, for an average of 106,000 daily arrivals. In 2024, the Chinese SAR did not reach the same milestone until 3 August.
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, told reporters on Tuesday that the city is now on track to reach its target of 39 million visitors for the year, just shy of the pre-Covid total of 39.4 million.
“Diversifying tourism offerings remains crucial,” said de Senna Fernandes. “Not just through new infrastructure, but particularly by developing new tourism routes.
“In the second half of the year, authorities will ensure summer holiday arrivals through various activities and promotions while continuing to attract international visitors,” she added.
Going global
As usual, the overwhelming majority of Macau visitors – 71.6% – hailed from mainland China. Hong Kongers comprised 19%, with Taiwan visitors at 2.4%. Foreigners made up the balance.
The tourism office is out to expand that reach with a worldwide campaign to lure more tourists from European and Arab countries. Last year, de Senna Fernandes hosted global tourism officials at a conference in Cyprus. This year, she will continue the road show with visits to Lisbon, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.
The goal is to promote Macau as “a world centre of tourism and leisure” and “an international metropolis”. It’s all part of a broader effort to diversify the economy beyond gaming.
A 2024 report from Macau Polytechnic University said the local casino industry can expect “stable” growth going forward, without the explosive growth of the past. Researchers cited growing competition in Southeast Asia, the decline of casino junkets and a new emphasis on mass visitors over VIP gamblers.
Importance of entertainment
“Non-gaming elements are becoming increasingly important to the city’s tourism and leisure companies,” the report stated. And integrated resorts with “outstanding non-gaming offerings” will be better positioned for success.
In a notable recent example, gross gaming revenue for June reached MOP21.06 billion ($2.6 billion), up 19% year on year. Analysts from JP Morgan, Citi and Seaport Research all credited the spill-over effect from concerts by Cantopop and K-pop stars. The standout was a Galaxy Macau residency starring Hong Kong’s “God of Song” Jackie Cheung.
“The ‘concert economy’ has emerged as one of the most compelling success stories in the post-pandemic period,” according to Macau Business. “Clearly this momentum must be sustained” and expanded to stimulate the greater community, beyond casinos.