Macau is projected to receive approximately 39 million visitor arrivals by the end of 2025, marking a full recovery to pre-pandemic tourism levels, according to Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).
Speaking to the media during the 2025 World Tourism Economy Forum, Senna Fernandes revealed that the city recorded 36.5 million visitor arrivals between January and November this year. The new forecast, made just two weeks before year-end, would see Macau match its historic peak of 39.4 million visitors achieved in 2019.
International visitor numbers are expected to recover to approximately 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels. “We hope to attract more international tourists in the future through Macau’s own efforts, collaboration with the Greater Bay Area, and partnerships with different provinces and cities in mainland China,” Senna Fernandes said.
The tourism chief outlined plans to establish tourism and trade representative offices in Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia next year, as stated in the government’s Policy Address. These offices will serve as key development points for expanding Macau’s international reach.
Senna Fernandes highlighted new opportunities arising from China’s transit visa exemption policy for international travelers, which enables deeper cooperation between Macau and mainland Chinese cities beyond the Greater Bay Area. The policy opens possibilities for exploring new multi-destination tourism routes and joint travel packages with cities across China.
Maintaining service quality remains a priority for Macau’s tourism sector. The city was ranked first in the “2024 Top Ten Destinations for Chinese Outbound Tourist Satisfaction” survey released by the China Tourism Academy this year.
During the forum, which focused on “New Quality Productivity: New Engine for the World Tourism Economy,” Senna Fernandes emphasized the importance of cross-sector integration. She noted that Macau aims to develop new growth areas by combining tourism, culture, major sporting events, and entertainment to enrich visitor experiences.
The official said Macau’s tourism authorities plan to strengthen both traditional and digital marketing efforts to attract a wider base of international visitors through multiple channels.
