Macau, known as the “Monte Carlo of the East,” has demonstrated a significant rebound in its tourism and gaming sectors during the summer of 2024. This resurgence reflects a robust recovery towards pre-pandemic levels, driven by increased visitor arrivals and gaming revenues.
Overall Visitor Arrivals
From July 1 to August 31, 2024, Macau welcomed approximately 6,685,000 visitors, averaging about 108,000 per day. This impressive figure represents a recovery to 93.4% of the 7,153,000 arrivals seen during the same period in 2019. The data underscores a notable resurgence in tourism, nearly returning to pre-pandemic levels.
August’s Exceptional Performance
August proved to be a particularly strong month for Macau’s tourism sector. Visitor numbers reached around 3,663,000, with a daily average of 118,000. A standout moment occurred on August 24, when the city recorded nearly 167,000 visitors in a single day. This peak and the overall visitor count for August surpassed those of August 2019, highlighting the robust recovery and growing appeal of the region.
Growth in International Arrivals
The summer holidays saw a marked increase in international visitors, with 336,000 arrivals, averaging 5,423 per day. This represents a significant year-on-year increase of 29.8% and brings international arrivals to 75.6% of pre-COVID levels. This growth reflects a positive trend in international travel and an increased interest in visiting Macau.
Gross Gaming Revenues
The resurgence in tourism has been mirrored in Macau’s gaming sector. According to the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), gross gaming revenue (GGR) reached MOP$19.8 billion (US$2.47 billion) on Sundays. This figure marks the highest recovery rate since the end of the COVID-19 outbreak, achieving more than 81.5% of the GGR recorded in 2019. The robust revenue performance underscores the continued importance of the gaming sector in Macau’s economy.
Anticipated Seasonal Trends
Despite the strong performance during the summer, industry analysts predict a potential decline in gaming revenues during September. This period, often referred to as the “Shoulder Season,” represents the transitional phase between the high summer tourism season and the Golden Week in October. The expected weakening of gaming revenues in September reflects typical seasonal variations and market adjustments.
The summer of 2024 has seen Macau’s tourism and gaming sectors demonstrate impressive recovery and growth. Visitor arrivals and gaming revenues have approached pre-pandemic levels, indicating a resilient rebound in Macau’s economy. However, stakeholders should remain aware of potential market fluctuations as the region transitions into the shoulder season, with cautious expectations for the immediate future.