Macau experienced an unprecedented surge in tourism during the recent New Year’s holiday, with a total of 399,100 visitors arriving in the Special Administrative Region (SAR) over the three-day period. This marked a significant milestone, especially considering the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic. The data, provided by the Macau Public Security Police Force, reveals a remarkable increase in arrivals, reaching a new post-pandemic high.
Overview:
Between December 30, 2023, and January 1, 2024, a staggering 1.94 million entries and exits were recorded in Macau, encompassing both local and visitor trips. Notably, the influx on New Year’s Eve alone set a record with 175,000 arrivals, constituting the highest single-day figure for the entire year of 2023. This surge reflects a 543% year-on-year growth compared to the same period in the previous year, when only 62,000 arrivals were recorded.
Comparative Analysis:
The exponential increase in arrivals during the three-day New Year’s holiday period is particularly striking when compared to the preceding year. In 2023, Macau witnessed a 10% higher average daily visitor arrival figure of 133,000 compared to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. During the two-day holiday period in 2019, Macau attracted 241,188 visitors, averaging just over 120,000 per day. This comparison highlights not only the recovery from the pandemic but also a surge beyond pre-pandemic tourism levels.
Day-wise Breakdown:
New Year’s Eve – December 31, 2023:
On the eve of the New Year, Macau saw an unprecedented arrival figure of 175,030, a historic high for the year 2023. This marked a remarkable celebration as visitors flocked to the SAR, contributing to the festive atmosphere. The surge on this particular day alone is indicative of Macau’s popularity as a New Year’s destination.
Year-on-Year Growth – New Year’s Day Holiday:
The three-day New Year’s holiday period saw a staggering 543% year-on-year growth in arrivals, with only 62,000 recorded in the same period the previous year. This growth signifies not only the resilience of Macau’s tourism industry but also a strong desire for travel and leisure activities post-pandemic.
Comparative Analysis with Pre-pandemic Levels:
Comparing the average daily visitor arrival figures during the recent New Year’s holiday to the pre-pandemic year of 2019 reveals a resilient recovery. The 10% increase in 2023, with an average of 133,000 arrivals per day, surpasses the 2019 figures when Macau attracted just over 120,000 visitors per day during the two-day holiday period. This showcases the SAR’s ability not only to bounce back but to exceed previous benchmarks.
Macau’s exceptional surge in tourism during the recent New Year’s holiday is a testament to the SAR’s resilience and appeal as a tourist destination. The record-breaking figures, including the highest single-day arrival on New Year’s Eve and the remarkable year-on-year growth, signal a strong recovery from the impact of the pandemic. As Macau continues to attract visitors beyond pre-pandemic levels, the tourism industry looks poised for sustained growth in the coming years.