Macau Sees Record-Breaking Visitor Numbers in January, Despite Lunar New Year Drop
In a strong showing for the gambling hub’s tourism industry, Macau welcomed 3,646,561 visitor arrivals in January. This marks a 27.4% increase year-over-year and ranks as the second-highest monthly figure on record, according to the latest statistics released by tourism authorities.
New Record Nearly Set, August Still Reigns Supreme
The only month to have seen higher visitor numbers in recent years was August 2024, when Macau welcomed a total of 3,651,731 visitors—just 5,170 more than January’s impressive figure.
Same-Day Visitors Dominate
According to the Statistics and Census Service, approximately 59% of visitors in January were same-day arrivals, totaling around 2.16 million. This suggests the popularity of short trips for gambling and entertainment.
Government Boosts Incentives for Visitors from Mainland China
In a bid to attract more visitors, the Beijing government introduced several initiatives in support of Macau’s tourism sector. These measures include raising the tax exemption limit for personal-use goods purchased by mainland Chinese tourists.
Expanded Access and Simplified Visa Procedures
To further boost visitor numbers, Chinese authorities have expanded the list of cities eligible for the “individual visit” scheme to include ten additional locations. Additionally, residents of Zhuhai were permitted to visit Macau once a week, with stays up to seven days allowed.
Clear Majority of Visitors from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
The vast majority of visitors in January came from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, making up 91.3% of total arrivals. International tourists numbered 241,000, representing a 21% year-over-year increase.
South Korea and the Philippines Lead Overseas Tourism
South Korea remained the largest overseas source market for Macau, with a 29.9% increase to 65,600 visitors. The Philippines saw a significant rise, with 48,500 arrivals, up 42.2% from the previous year.
Lunar New Year Impact on Tourism
Despite strong overall visitor numbers, Macau experienced a 3.5% drop in visitors during the Lunar New Year “golden week” compared to the same period in 2023. However, the city still recorded 1.31 million tourist arrivals from January 28 to February 4, averaging 163,700 per day.
Tourism Authority Sets Ambitious Targets for 2024 and 2025
Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes remains optimistic about Macau’s tourism prospects. She has expressed hopes that the city could attract between 38 and 39 million visitors this year. Fernandes also set a target for more than three million international visitors for 2025, highlighting the city’s continued focus on diversifying its visitor base.
Conclusion
The robust visitor numbers in January underscore Macau’s resilience and attractiveness as a tourist destination. With government support and initiatives aimed at boosting visitor access, the city’s tourism sector shows strong potential for continued growth and diversification.
As Macau looks towards the future, continued efforts to enhance visitor experiences and align tourism policies with broader economic goals will be crucial for sustained success.
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