Sands China CEO, president and executive director Grant Chum said Macau and Singapore are likely to benefit from a shift toward short-haul travel among Chinese outbound tourists, driven by geopolitical uncertainties and rising air travel costs.
Speaking during the company’s earnings call, Chum said the changing travel environment is reshaping destination choices, with closer-to-home markets gaining share.
“Destinations that are closer to home are going to gain share in general as a result of the current environment,” he said, pointing to evolving travel options compared with recent months.
Chum noted that both Macau and Singapore are positioned to capture this demand, as they are increasingly seen as more accessible and preferred destinations. “The net effect from a demand standpoint is… a positive one for both Macau and Singapore,” he said, adding that factors such as geopolitical conditions and the cost of air travel are influencing traveler behavior.
He added that these dynamics are expected to support visitation trends from mainland China, particularly as travelers opt for shorter journeys. “Short-haul destinations… are going to be more popular with the Chinese market,” Chum said.
Chum’s comments echo recent industry observations highlighting the resilience of Macau’s demand base, particularly its reliance on regional and land-based visitors. Earlier analysis, as reported by AGB, indicated that disruptions to air travel and higher costs are unlikely to materially impact Macau’s gaming sector, with some demand potentially redirected toward nearby destinations.
Industry observers have also pointed to shifting visitor patterns, including a rise in short-haul and same-day travel, as a key factor shaping recovery trends. In this context, Macau’s proximity to mainland China and integration within the Greater Bay Area continue to support stable visitation, even amid broader travel uncertainties.
