Macau’s neighboring Hengqin is expected to welcome over 15 million visitors this year, marking an estimated 20 percent increase compared to 2023.
This projection was disclosed by the Hengqin Guangdong-Macau Deep Cooperation Zone Economic Development Bureau. In comparison, Macau is expected to receive 34 million visitors in 2024, meaning that Hengqin will still attract less than half of Macau’s visitor numbers.
Hengqin is the neighboring region to Macau, with authorities increasingly improving border transit options to facilitate the movement of people between the two regions, and business development by Macau companies in Hengqin, including hotels.
The Hengqin government noted that the Hengqin Light Rail Line was officially inaugurated.
Since the implementation of the multi-entry visa policy for tour groups in May, more than 10,000 tourists have signed up for group tours, with the total number of groups surpassing 3,000.
Currently, nearly 50 travel agencies from Guangdong, Shanghai, Hebei, and other regions have received certification to handle these types of tour groups. The policy is gradually being extended nationwide.
Hengqin is designated as a key area for Macau’s economic diversification, aimed at reducing its dependence on the gaming industry.
Earlier this month, Macau gaming operator SJM Resorts signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zhuhai Hengqin Shun Tak Property Development Company Limited, a subsidiary of Shun Tak Holdings Limited, to acquire office properties at the Shun Tak Business Center near Hengqin Port.
The RMB546 million ($75.1 million) deal will convert floors 21 to 29 of the business center—comprising office space and a retail unit—into a new three-star hotel under SJM’s Lisboa brand.
The operator stated that the move is part of its strategy to leverage the strength of the “Lisboa” hotel brand.
Other operators, such as Artyzen, have also set up shop in Hengqin, while major gaming operators such as Galaxy also have land in the region poised for development.
