In January 2024, Macau witnessed a significant surge in visitor arrivals, marking a remarkable 104.7% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Despite a slight dip of 2.8% from the previous month, this surge reflects a substantial recovery, reaching 83.5% of 2019 levels.
Year-on-Year Comparison:
Comparing January 2024 with the same month in 2023, the data unveils a compelling narrative of recovery. Notably, same-day visitors experienced a staggering growth of 155%, totaling 1,480,098, while overnight visitors also surged by 69.3% to reach 1,381,511. However, it’s noteworthy that the average length of stay of visitors witnessed a marginal decline of 0.4 days, settling at 1.2 days.
Regional Analysis:
A breakdown by regions sheds light on the source of this surge. Mainland China remains the primary contributor, with 2,056,133 arrivals, showcasing a robust year-on-year increase of 107.3%. Notably, visitors traveling under the Individual Visit Scheme saw a notable rise of 57.8%, indicating a resurgence in independent travel.
Arrivals from other key regions also displayed substantial growth. From Hong Kong, arrivals surged by 53.0%, reaching 546,277, while Taiwan recorded an impressive 217.6% increase, totaling 59,921 visitors.
International Visitors:
International visitors, totaling 199,278, showcased a recovery to 66.4% of January 2019 levels. Notable increases were observed from Southeast Asian markets, with the Philippines exceeding 2019 levels and Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia ranging from 66.2% to 93.1% of pre-COVID levels.
Northeast Asian Markets:
In Northeast Asian markets, South Korea and Japan displayed varying degrees of recovery, with South Korea reaching 50.8% of 2019 levels and Japan at 34.8%. These figures indicate a gradual but steady resurgence in travel from these key markets.
USA and Other Markets:
Visitors from the USA rebounded significantly, reaching 66.2% of January 2019 levels, totaling 10,922 arrivals. This resurgence signifies growing confidence among American travelers in Macau’s tourism offerings.
The data from January 2024 paints a promising picture of Macau’s tourism recovery. With robust year-on-year increases across various visitor segments and regions, coupled with a return to significant proportions of pre-pandemic levels, Macau’s tourism industry appears to be on a steady path to recovery. However, challenges such as fluctuating travel restrictions and evolving consumer behaviors necessitate continued vigilance and adaptability within the industry. As Macau navigates through the complexities of the post-pandemic landscape, strategic initiatives and collaborations will be crucial in sustaining this upward trajectory and ensuring long-term growth and resilience.