Macau is considering subsidizing transport for international tourists arriving at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to travel onward to the SAR, as authorities step up efforts to diversify visitor sources amid shifting flight patterns.
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO), said the government is evaluating a plan to cover transport costs for overseas visitors landing in Guangzhou, enabling them to continue their journey to Macau. The move targets international travelers outside Greater China and aims to strengthen Macau’s appeal as a multi-stop destination.
Guangzhou, located about 150 kilometers from Macau, offers direct connections from several European and international cities. Senna Fernandes said the proposal responds to a decline in flights from the Middle East and Europe to Hong Kong due to the war in Iran, adding that alternative mainland gateways such as Guangzhou are becoming increasingly important.
The initiative would build on an existing scheme launched on January 20th, 2026, under which Macau subsidizes transport for international tourists arriving via Hong Kong International Airport. The program, running through December 31st, offers eligible visitors free cross-border bus services from Hong Kong directly to Macau, aiming to encourage extended itineraries and boost international arrivals.
According to Ou Mun Tin Toi, the Chinese-language radio channel of public broadcaster TDM, Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin Ip said on the sidelines of the Macau International Travel (Industry) Expo that visitor arrivals have remained resilient. He revealed that Macau recorded more than 10 million visitor arrivals in the first quarter of 2026, including over 750,000 international tourists, reflecting steady growth in the tourism sector.
He added that the government will continue to enrich tourism offerings, organize major events, and improve supporting infrastructure, seeking to capture opportunities amid uncertainties in the international environment and geopolitics.
