Macau has seen an unprecedented surge in travel activity this year, with the Public Security Police Force (PSP) announcing that the total number of departures and arrivals has exceeded 150 million as of September 16, 2024. This milestone has been reached nearly two months earlier than in 2023, highlighting a significant increase in both local and international movement.
Impressive Traffic Figures
The latest data reveals a remarkable uptick in border traffic. As of mid-September, Macau has recorded over 150 million departures and arrivals. This is a considerable increase from last year’s numbers and indicates a strong recovery and growing popularity as a destination. The rise in traffic is evident across various categories, reflecting a dynamic shift in travel patterns.
Breakdown of Departures and Arrivals
Among the 150 million movements, Macau residents account for 54.2 million, which constitutes 36.1% of the total traffic. This substantial portion underscores the high level of local travel and commuting activity. Foreign employees contribute significantly as well, with 42 million entries, representing 28.1% of the total. Their presence points to a robust demand for international labor within Macau’s diverse economy.
Visitor arrivals have also seen a dramatic increase, with a 31.98% rise compared to 2023. Last year, Macau welcomed 24.7 million visitors; this year’s numbers reflect an expanding interest in the region. This increase is a testament to Macau’s growing appeal as a travel destination.
Key Border Points and Their Traffic
The Border Gate remains the most crucial and busiest control point in Macau, handling 79.1 million departures and arrivals. This accounts for 52.75% of the total traffic, emphasizing its central role in managing Macau’s border activity. The Qingmao Port follows with 24.8 million movements, while the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge records 18.2 million movements. Each of these points plays a significant role in facilitating the flow of people across borders.
Impact of Policy Changes
The substantial increase in border traffic can be attributed to several key policy changes since the reopening of borders between Macau and mainland China in January 2023. The introduction of “Northbound Travel for Macau Vehicles” has streamlined cross-border travel, while the expansion of the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) to include 10 additional mainland cities has broadened access for tourists. Additionally, allowing Hengqin-Macau tour groups to make multiple trips within a seven-day period has further enhanced cross-border mobility.
These policy adjustments have played a pivotal role in driving the recent surge in traffic, facilitating easier and more frequent movement between Macau and the mainland.
Influence of Special Events
The recent three-day Mid-Autumn Festival has significantly impacted traffic patterns, with the festival period seeing high visitor numbers. On Sunday alone, Macau recorded 125,314 arrivals, followed by 124,261 on Monday. This surge underscores the festival’s role in driving substantial visitor traffic and contributing to the overall increase in border activity.
Looking Ahead
The impressive traffic figures for 2024 suggest a positive outlook for Macau’s tourism and border management sectors. With ongoing policy relaxation and increasing regional interest, Macau is well-positioned to continue experiencing high traffic volumes. This year’s performance sets a strong precedent for future growth and underscores Macau’s status as a leading hub for travel and tourism.
Macau’s border traffic has not only rebounded but has surged to new heights, driven by favorable policies, regional events, and heightened visitor interest. As the year progresses, Macau’s ability to handle these high volumes of traffic will be crucial in maintaining its position as a premier travel destination.