Macau is witnessing a remarkable recovery in its tourism sector as the city rebounds from the impact of COVID-19. According to the latest projections, inbound tourist numbers are anticipated to reach pre-pandemic levels for the year 2025, contributing positively to the local economy.
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, the Director of the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO), revealed on January 17, 2024, during the announcement of major events for the upcoming Spring Festival, the optimism surrounding tourism. She stated, "We expect the inbound tourist numbers to reach between 38 to 39 million, back to pre-pandemic levels." This recovery reflects a sustained increase since the beginning of 2023, with inbound visitors already showing significant growth.
Last year, Macau welcomed approximately 34.93 million inbound tourists, marking a 23.6% increase compared to the previous year. This figure exceeded the government’s initial target of 33 million visitors and indicates an impressive recovery rate of 88.6% compared to 2019. Such growth is largely driven by the expansion of opportunities for individual travel from mainland China, particularly under the Individual Visitor Scheme (IVS). A recent policy change also allows residents from Zhuhai, the neighboring city, to travel to Macau weekly, fostering even more tourism.
The approaching Spring Festival, expected to attract many visitors, is anticipated to see around 185,000 tourists daily—a 9% increase from the same period last year, with about 8,000 international travelers. The festival kickstarts numerous events across the city, creating vibrant opportunities for both local businesses and visitors.
Attractions are not just limited to traditional festivities; for example, the Grand Lisboa Palace, one of Macau's prominent integrated resorts, is hosting the "Snoopy Winter Holidays" exhibition, running until February 16, 2025. This engaging event features character installations, interactive exhibits, and exclusive merchandise linked to the beloved Peanuts franchise. Such initiatives not only appeal to children and families but also create avenues for experiential tourism.
Meanwhile, the Nova Mall, located at the core of Taipa Island, recently launched the "Let’s Celebrate Chinese New Year with POP MART at Nova Mall" event, which emphasizes collaboration with well-known brands. Drawing on the theme "POP Into Prosperity," the mall has set up attractions including the impressive 6-meter-tall MOLLY inflatable installation, alongside unique shopping opportunities centered around the theme of the Spring Festival. The shopping event is another indicator of how Macau seeks to dynamically engage both local residents and tourists alike.
Vincent Tong, Director of Marketing for the company managing Nova Mall, emphasized the effectiveness of collaborations with popular intellectual properties, noting, "Last year’s events substantially doubled the foot traffic." This trend continues as they aim to entice both local citizens and international visitors with their various strategies.
Overall, the concerted efforts and strategic partnerships are paving the way for Macau to not only recover but thrive as a competitive destination for tourism. The city’s government and local businesses are actively working to innovate and attract diverse visitor demographics, aiming for substantial growth as travel restrictions ease and interest reignites.
With these developments, 2025 looks promising for Macau's tourism industry. The expectation is not just to return to previous visitor numbers but to create lasting bonds with travelers, fostering repeat visits and enriching the overall economic fabric of the region.