This year’s Golden Week in China is set to be an extended eight-day holiday, a rare occurrence as the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day Holiday coincide. The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is gearing up for a surge in visitors during this period, aiming for an average of 100,000 visitors per day. Despite recent challenges like Super Typhoon Saola affecting September’s arrival numbers, Macao remains optimistic about the Golden Week’s tourism prospects.
Golden Week Expectations
China’s Golden Week is anticipated to be bustling with activity this year, extending to a full eight days due to the overlap of the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day Holiday. MGTO Deputy Director Hoi Io Meng shared expectations of hosting an average of 100,000 visitors daily during this extended holiday, aligning with the average seen in August. This optimistic outlook stems from the hope of a swift recovery after the disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions in September.
Visitor Trends and Preparation
While Macao witnessed an average of 100,000 daily visitors in August, September faced a slight decline to approximately 70,000 visitors per day due to the impact of Super Typhoon Saola and unfavorable weather. Despite this setback, preparations for Golden Week are in full swing. MGTO is working closely with the hotel industry, urging them to ensure stable room rates during this peak season. The aim is to prevent significant fluctuations and maintain reasonable pricing, especially on online booking platforms.
International Engagement and Tourism Strategy
Macao is actively engaging with international markets to boost its tourism appeal. Recently, MGTO welcomed representatives from 10 US and Canadian travel agencies, emphasizing the importance of these markets. The United States currently ranks seventh among Macao’s top 10 source markets, highlighting the potential for further growth and the strategic efforts in maintaining Macao’s popularity in North America through targeted promotional activities and active presence on social media platforms.
As Macao readies itself for an extended Golden Week, aligning with China’s eight-day holiday, the focus is on providing a welcoming and accommodating experience for visitors. The optimism for a robust influx during this period showcases Macao’s resilience and determination to bounce back from recent challenges, presenting an exciting opportunity to showcase its rich cultural and entertainment offerings to a global audience.