In the first quarter of 2024, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) unveiled significant figures regarding visitor arrivals, shedding light on emerging trends and key sources of tourism to the region.
Total Arrivals and Composition:
Over the period from January to March 2024, Macao received approximately 8.9 million visitors.
Among these arrivals, international visitors constituted 585,000, accounting for around 6.6% of the total arrivals.
Regional Contribution to Visitor Numbers:
Mainland China was the dominant contributor to Macao’s visitor numbers, with about 6.3 million arrivals.
Hong Kong followed with 1.8 million visitors, and Taiwan contributed 182,000 arrivals during this period.
Impact of Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) Expansion:
Following the inclusion of Xi’an and Qingdao in the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) from March 6, 2024, Macao witnessed notable increases in arrivals from these cities.
Xi’an contributed 47,000 arrivals, marking a 6.4% annual increase.
Qingdao saw 24,000 arrivals, representing a substantial 44.5% year-on-year growth.
International Visitor Trends:
The daily average of international arrivals, at around 6,424, showed a remarkable increase of over 300% compared to the same period in 2023.
These figures reached approximately 67.5% of the daily average recorded in the first quarter of 2019.
Visitor Origins – International Markets:
Southeast Asian markets emerged as significant sources of international visitors to Macao, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and India.
Northeast Asia also contributed notably, with visitors primarily coming from Korea and Japan.
Mainland China’s Continued Dominance:
Macao’s tourism landscape remains heavily reliant on visitors from mainland China. The significant majority of arrivals, totaling 6.3 million, underscores the ongoing popularity of Macao as a destination among Chinese travelers.
Impact of IVS Expansion:
The inclusion of Xi’an and Qingdao in the IVS scheme has evidently stimulated tourism from these regions. The substantial year-on-year growth in arrivals from these cities signifies the positive effects of policy changes on visitor numbers.
Rise in International Arrivals:
The surge in international arrivals, especially when compared to figures from the previous year, highlights Macao’s growing appeal as a global destination. Despite challenges in the tourism sector globally, Macao’s international visitor figures have shown promising growth.
Regional Source Markets:
Southeast Asia emerges as a key area for international visitors to Macao. The diverse range of countries contributing to these arrivals suggests Macao’s attractiveness as a destination for travelers seeking varied experiences.
Pre-Pandemic Levels:
While visitor numbers have yet to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels, the data from the first quarter of 2024 indicates a positive trajectory. Achieving nearly 85% of the daily average arrivals from 2019 demonstrates steady progress in Macao’s tourism revival.
The first quarter of 2024 showcases a dynamic tourism landscape in Macao, characterized by a resurgence in visitor numbers, driven largely by mainland China and bolstered by strategic policy interventions. The growth in international arrivals, particularly from Southeast Asia, underscores Macao’s evolving appeal on the global tourism stage. As Macao continues to navigate the complexities of the post-pandemic travel environment, these insights offer valuable perspectives for stakeholders and industry players aiming to capitalize on emerging tourism trends in the region.