Macau’s tourism industry is preparing for what could be record-breaking visitor numbers during this year’s “Super Golden Week,” as the National Day holiday coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival to create an extended 8-day break from October 1st to 8th.
Andy Wu, president of the Macau Tourism Industry Association, predicts that tourist arrivals will exceed last year’s daily average of 140,000 visitors during the golden week period, in comments to Macau Daily.
The optimistic forecast is based on Macau’s strengthened positioning as a world tourism and leisure center, combined with beneficial policy measures that have enhanced the city’s accessibility to mainland Chinese visitors.
Wu attributed the expected surge to policy benefits including Zhuhai’s “one trip per week” travel arrangement and Hengqin’s “multiple-entry visa” policy, which have significantly eased cross-border travel for mainland tourists.
“Macau possesses golden credentials as a World Tourism and Leisure Center, including the ‘Historic Center of Macau,’ recognition as a ‘Creative City of Gastronomy,’ and designation as the ‘East Asian Capital of Culture,'” Wu stated. He highlighted that Macau topped the list of ‘Top 10 Overseas Destinations for Chinese Tourist Satisfaction’ last year, demonstrating the city’s strong appeal to mainland visitors.
Industry confidence remains high despite the anticipated influx. A notable shift in tourist behavior has worked in the sector’s favor, with individual travel replacing group tours as the dominant travel mode. Although group tourist numbers dropped approximately 10 percent during the summer compared to the previous year, overall visitor arrivals still achieved growth, substantially reducing staffing pressure on the industry.
The accommodation sector appears well-prepared for the holiday rush. Wu notes that summer hotel occupancy rates have already reached over 90 percent, and current capacity reserves are deemed sufficient to handle the expected visitor surge without concerns about reception capabilities.
Hotel pricing is expected to remain stable during the Golden Week, contrasting with previous years’ dramatic price spikes. The improved cross-border connectivity has provided tourists with more diverse accommodation options, with some visitors choosing to stay in Hengqin or Zhuhai after touring Macau, then returning the following day. This pattern has effectively distributed accommodation demand and is expected to keep hotel prices at levels similar to last year’s.
However, transportation capacity remains a challenge. Wu indicates that the government and industry have prepared multiple response plans, including additional special bus services and temporary traffic restrictions at popular attractions during major mainland holidays. Industry leaders suggest prioritizing light rail transportation and expanding shuttle bus services to better manage the expected crowds during the Super Golden Week.
