Macau could receive an average of 120,000 visitors per day during the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and October Golden Week, the extended holiday surrounding China’s National Day, supported by major events, short-haul travel demand and expanded mainland travel policies, according to a local tourism industry representative.
Andy Wu, president of the Macau Travel Industry Council, said the outlook for the two holiday periods was positive as government-organized festivities and policies facilitating travel to Macau continued to support visitor numbers, Macao Daily reported.
He expects visitor traffic to build gradually during the three-day Mid-Autumn break from September 25th to 27th. Many mainland residents are likely to spend the festival day with their families before traveling during the remaining two days, meaning arrivals may not peak at the start of the break.
Short-haul demand supports outlook
The short interval between the Mid-Autumn holiday and October Golden Week could create an extended travel period, Wu said.
He expects Hong Kong and Macau to benefit from stronger demand for short-haul trips as reduced international flight capacity and higher long-distance airfares discourage some mainland travelers from heading farther abroad.
Macau is also preparing fireworks displays and community events for the holiday period. Meanwhile, policies including tour-group travel between Macau and Hengqin and the expanded once-a-week entry arrangement for Zhuhai residents have continued to support arrivals.
Wu forecast that Macau could receive 43 million visitors in 2026 after arrivals increased steadily from last year. The city recorded a monthly visitor high in August.
However, international arrivals edged lower in the latest data, which Wu attributed to fewer flights and higher airfares. He said Macau should expand air connectivity and overseas promotion, while developing multi-destination itineraries with Hengqin to encourage international visitors to stay longer.
Hotel bookings reach 60–70 percent
Advance hotel demand also points to a busy holiday period. Macau Hotel Association president Cheung Kin Chung said average booking levels for October Golden Week had reached 60–70 percent, while traditional hotels in the NAPE district were approaching 80 percent, according to the same report.
October 1st to 5th is expected to be the busiest period, with many guests booking stays of at least two nights. Cheung expects the citywide occupancy rate to exceed the above-80-percent level recorded during last year’s Golden Week.
Three- and four-star hotel rooms are currently priced at about MOP1,000–MOP2,000 ($124–$248) per night for the holiday period, while large luxury resorts are charging MOP2,500 ($310) or more.
Cheung said additional hotel supply and industry efforts to control costs had helped limit sharp room-rate increases. Operators are also offering accommodation and tourism packages combining dining, attractions and events in an effort to extend visitor stays and channel more spending into local communities.
