Macau Expects Surge in Golden Week Tourism Amid Positive Trends

Macau is gearing up for an impressive surge in tourism during the National Day Golden Week, fueled by positive trends and strategic policies. The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), under the leadership of Deputy Director Cheng Wai Tong, has projected an influx surpassing initial expectations. The forecast now pinpoints an average daily visitor count of 130,000, a significant leap from the earlier estimate of 100,000 daily visitors.

Cheng Wai Tong shared insights during a recent interview, highlighting record-breaking single-day tourist numbers, including 166,000 visitors on October 2, making it a new milestone. The optimism is reflected in the high hotel occupancy rates, which hit 94.6 percent on the first day of Golden Week, indicating robust demand in the hospitality sector.

This promising trend is further bolstered by favorable policies from the central government, including a new multi-entry visa for Chinese nationals on package tours implemented on May 6. This policy enhances connectivity between Macau and the neighboring Hengqin area, allowing seamless travel for many visitors. Since its inception, approximately 3,500 tourists have capitalized on this policy, with expectations of further growth as more travel agencies engage in this initiative.

Analysts from UBS have observed a noteworthy increase in hotel bookings, with fully occupied establishments becoming more common as Golden Week approached. While hotel prices are slightly lower than those during the first Golden Week of the year, they remain steady compared to last October. This stability is seen as an attractive factor for tourists seeking value and experience.

The collaborative efforts across various tourism and hospitality sectors, coupled with strategic governmental support, underscore a steady recovery for Macau’s tourism industry. These developments not only signify a rebound for the region but also highlight Macau’s position as a vibrant destination capable of drawing in significant crowds during key holiday periods.

As MGTO continues to monitor and adapt to these positive trends, the outlook for Macau’s tourism sector remains promising, offering insights into the ongoing recovery and growth trajectories within this dynamic region.