The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is optimistic about the Special Administrative Region (SAR) welcoming approximately 33 million visitors in 2024. This positive outlook is supported by the implementation of strategic initiatives, including roadshows in Southeast Asian countries, promotional activities during the Chinese New Year holiday, and efforts to attract international tourists via a new direct bus service from Hong Kong International Airport to Macau.
Current Visitor Trends:
According to MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, the SAR has been experiencing an average of 70,000 to 80,000 daily visitor arrivals from January to the present, reaching as high as 100,000 on weekends. These encouraging numbers set the stage for the ambitious target of 33 million arrivals for the entire year.
Chinese New Year Initiatives:
As the eight-day Chinese New Year holiday approaches, the Macao government is gearing up for a series of activities to attract mainland tourists. A highlight of these festivities is the “float parade,” where each of the six concessionaires will showcase floats in a vibrant spectacle. Senna Fernandes envisions a significant boost in daily visitor arrivals, aiming for an average of 120,000 during the holiday period.
Strategic Focus on Overseas Markets:
In a bid to diversify and expand its visitor base, the MGTO plans to focus on overseas markets, particularly in Southeast Asia. The first half of the year will see the organization conducting roadshows in countries such as Thailand and Malaysia, as well as participating in travel shows across Europe. These initiatives aim to position Macau as a desirable destination on the global tourism map.
Promotional Incentives:
To encourage international and Taiwanese tourists visiting Hong Kong to extend their trips to Macau, the MGTO launched a free ticket offer for the new direct bus service between Hong Kong International Airport and Macau. This strategic move aligns with the goal of attracting more international visitors to Macau, building on the recovery seen in Hong Kong’s visitor arrivals, which returned to pre-pandemic levels last year.
Challenges and Considerations:
Despite the optimistic projections, Senna Fernandes acknowledges that achieving the target of 33 million arrivals depends on several factors. Key considerations include the resumption of flights in the aviation industry and addressing potential challenges related to manpower.
As Macao sets its sights on a robust tourism year in 2024, the confluence of strategic initiatives, promotional activities, and a focus on overseas markets positions the SAR for success. The MGTO’s comprehensive approach, coupled with a keen understanding of market dynamics, will play a crucial role in realizing the ambitious goal of 33 million visitors, marking a significant milestone in Macao’s tourism resurgence.