The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has released provisional data detailing the robust recovery of Macau’s tourism sector in the first half of 2024. This period marks a significant resurgence, with visitor arrivals surging by 43.6% compared to the same period in 2023, reaching approximately 16.7 million visitors.
Visitor Arrivals and Growth Trends
From January to June 2024, Macau welcomed an impressive daily average of 91,918 visitors, reflecting a notable recovery to 82.5% of the levels seen in the first half of 2019. The surge in visitor numbers was particularly pronounced among foreign visitors, with nearly 1.17 million arrivals, marking a remarkable 146.4% increase year-on-year and achieving 67.2% of pre-COVID levels. This resurgence follows a strategic series of international roadshows in key markets such as Tokyo, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur, aimed at revitalizing Macau’s global appeal.
Hotel Occupancy and Accommodation Trends
During the first five months of 2024, Macau’s average hotel occupancy rate reached 84.3%, a significant improvement of 7.7 percentage points compared to the same period in 2023. However, this figure represents a slight decline of 7.2 percentage points compared to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. The total number of hotel guests also saw a notable increase, totaling 6,135,000 guests from January to May, which signifies a 25.0% rise compared to 2023 and a 6.0% increase compared to 2019 figures. These metrics underscore a resilient rebound in Macau’s accommodation sector amidst ongoing recovery efforts.
Special Initiatives and Celebrations
The year 2024 holds particular significance for Macau, marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). In celebration of these milestones, the Macau SAR Government has introduced special incentives to further stimulate international tourism. These initiatives include the provision of 250,000 tickets encompassing flights, cross-border transportation, hotel accommodations, dining, entertainment, and amusement rides, aimed at enhancing the overall visitor experience and bolstering Macau’s attractiveness as a premier tourist destination.
The provisional data from MGTO paints a promising picture of Macau’s tourism recovery trajectory in the first half of 2024. With robust increases in visitor arrivals, particularly from international markets, and notable improvements in hotel occupancy rates and guest numbers, Macau is poised for a resurgence in its tourism sector. The strategic international marketing efforts and special celebratory initiatives underscore Macau’s commitment to revitalizing its tourism industry and reaffirming its status as a leading global destination.