October brought unprecedented vitality to Macau as the region experienced an extraordinary surge in visitor arrivals, painting a remarkable picture of recovery. According to the Statistics and Census Service, the month recorded a staggering 380% year-on-year increase and a notable 19% sequential growth, with a total of 2,757,308 visitors. This resurgence not only signifies a rebound from the challenges posed by the pandemic but also showcases Macau’s resounding appeal as a premier destination. Let’s delve into the insights and trends that shaped this exceptional month for Macau.
Mainland China Dominance:
Mainland China contributed significantly to the surge, with 1,949,510 arrivals, marking an impressive 280% year-on-year increase.
The Greater Bay Area, encompassing nine cities, experienced a 200% YoY surge, recording 951,079 arrivals.
Hong Kong and Taiwan Resurgence:
Visitor arrivals from Hong Kong skyrocketed by an astounding 1,100% YoY, reaching 592,325.
Taiwan also witnessed a remarkable 600% YoY increase, welcoming 53,667 visitors.
Foreign Arrivals:
Among foreign arrivals, the Philippines took the lead with 29,864 visitors, closely followed by Korea with 25,647.
Visitor Demographics:
October saw 1,451,703 same-day visitors and 1,305,605 overnight visitors, reflecting YoY increases of 440% and 320%, respectively.
The average length of stay decreased slightly to 1.2 days, primarily influenced by a decrease in the average stay of overnight visitors to 2.3 days.
Year-to-Date Performance:
The cumulative data for the first 10 months of 2023 revealed a total of 22,685,476 visitor arrivals, reflecting an impressive 360% YoY increase.
Overnight visitor arrivals recorded a robust 460% YoY growth, totaling 11,542,405, while same-day arrivals reached 11,143,071, marking a substantial 290% YoY increase.
Golden Week Impact:
The strengthened October performance was notably influenced by a robust Golden Week holiday period at the beginning of the month.
Daily averages of 932,365 visitors during Golden Week represented 84% of pre-COVID levels, underscoring the region’s resilience and recovery momentum.
Macau’s October surge in visitor arrivals stands as a testament to the region’s remarkable resilience and enduring appeal. The substantial year-on-year increases, particularly in mainland Chinese and regional visitors, highlight Macau’s role as a premier destination on the path to recovery. As the region continues to navigate the complexities of the post-pandemic era, these impressive figures pave the way for sustained growth and reaffirm Macau’s status as a leading global tourism and entertainment hub.