Good Morning. The dog days are over, as according to the director of the Institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming, Davis Fong, Macau is already preparing to see between 32 and 36 million visitors again in 2024. In an interview with AGB, the University of Macau professor predicted the city would reach at least 80 percent of 2019 visitor levels. Meanwhile, the SAR government has just proposed a boost in the security forces’ powers to tackle illegal gambling crimes, including allowing night home searches and the use of undercover agents. Penalties for offenses related to illegal gambling and the maximum duration of pretrial detention would also be increased if the draft bill passes the city’s legislature.
What you need to know
- Macau gaming scholar Davis Fong forecasts 32-36 million visitors in 2024 amidst uncertainties and post-COVID resilience.
- The Macau government has advanced with a new bill set to help strengthen illegal gambling crimes prevention by increasing penalties and reinforcing police oversight powers.
On the radar
- NagaCorp confirms the death of its founder Chen Lip Keong.
- Preston Hotel found guilty of allowing a minor to gamble.
- Macau is on track for 28 million tourists by year-end.
- SkyCity to pay $125 million due to the Auckland car park concession dispute.
AGB Intelligence
MACAU TOURISM
Macau to receive up to 36 million visitors in 2024
Having welcomed nearly 40 million visitors in 2019, gaming researcher Davis Fong told AGB he believes Macau can reach 80 percent of those numbers in 2024 already, and welcome up to 36 million visitors. However international air travel remains constrained, impacting not only visitors using Macau Airport but also those utilizing Hong Kong International Airport and nearby airports.
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