In 2023, Macau witnessed a remarkable surge in its hotel industry, as reported by the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC). The hotel occupancy rate soared to 81.5%, reflecting a substantial 43.1 percentage point increase from the previous year. This surge in performance can be attributed to various factors, including an increase in the number of hotel establishments and guest rooms.
Occupancy Rates and Hotel Expansion:
The hotel landscape in Macau experienced significant growth, with the total number of hotel establishments increasing by 19 to reach a total of 142. The number of guest rooms also surged by 23.5% to an impressive 47,000. Notably, 2-star hotel rooms emerged as the leaders with the highest occupancy rate at 85.1%, closely followed by 5-star rooms at 82.5%.
Guest Demographics and Source Countries:
Macau’s hotels played host to a staggering 13.57 million guests in 2023, marking a remarkable 170% increase from the previous year and recovering to 96.2% of 2019 levels. Mainland China contributed significantly to this surge, accounting for 9,844,000 hotel stays. Hong Kong travelers followed with 2,219,000 stays, while Taiwanese guests contributed 256,000 stays.
Shifts in Local and International Tourism:
Despite the overall growth in tourist numbers, the local residents’ presence in Macau hotels saw a notable decline of 39.4% year-on-year. Additionally, the average length of stay in 2023 decreased marginally by 0.1 nights to 1.7 nights, suggesting shifts in the preferences or behavior of the local population.
Monthly Performance and Year-End Highlights:
December 2023 stood out as a particularly robust month for Macau’s hotel industry, boasting a hotel occupancy rate of 85.9%, marking a 43.1 percentage point increase compared to the same period the previous year. The month welcomed approximately 1.33 million occupants, showcasing the resilience and attractiveness of Macau as a year-end destination.
Tour Groups and Outbound Travel Trends:
Tour group numbers in 2023 reached an impressive 1.28 million, indicating a sustained interest in organized travel experiences. Concurrently, the number of Macau residents purchasing outbound travel services through travel agencies skyrocketed by 800% year-on-year, reaching 418,000. The month of December alone saw 160,000 tour group arrivals, and Macau residents purchasing outbound travel services surged by 810% to 53,000.
The stellar performance of Macau’s hotel industry in 2023 reflects a robust recovery from the challenges faced in the preceding year. The surge in occupancy rates, the expansion of hotel establishments, and the influx of international guests, particularly from mainland China, underscore Macau’s resilience as a premier tourism destination. As the region continues to evolve, these trends offer valuable insights for stakeholders, businesses, and policymakers, shaping the future trajectory of Macau’s tourism landscape.