Helena de Senna Fernandes, Head of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), confirmed that the newly implemented visa policy for residents of neighboring cities has already had a positive impact on Macau’s visitor numbers.
The official revealed that from January 3rd to 5th, 2025, the daily visitor arrivals remained above 100,000. She believes that these encouraging numbers are a result of the new, eased visa policy.
Looking ahead to the Lunar New Year holiday, Fernandes expects a significant influx of mainland Chinese visitors coming to Macau for shopping and festivities. The MGTO plans to carry out extensive promotional efforts and guide visitors to various districts to help distribute consumer spending.
Starting January 1st, 2025, the new visa policy allows Zhuhai residents to apply for a travel permit to visit Macau once a week, while Hengqin residents can apply for a multiple-entry visa. This policy marks a pioneering move, as it is the first time Chinese authorities have allowed a multiple-entry visa for tourism to Macau. It is also seen as a “gift” to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR).
In addition, Fernandes shared that the authorities are currently reassessing the expected number of mainland tourists for the upcoming Spring Festival. Efforts are underway to extend the festive atmosphere beyond the Lunar New Year into the Lantern Festival, with activities such as flower parades and fireworks displays being organized to attract more visitors.
Looking beyond the Chinese market, Fernandes mentioned that the MGTO will continue to work on attracting international visitors. The goal for 2025 is to welcome 3 million international tourists.
She also revealed that the MGTO will promote Macau through various international platforms, including attending a tourism fair in Spain next week, hosting promotional events in the UAE and Saudi Arabia next month, and later traveling to Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia for roadshows.
