Macau’s hotel industry recorded occupancy of more than 90 percent during the summer holiday period, but room rates at some properties in NAPE and the older districts of the Macau Peninsula fell between 8 percent and 10 percent year-on-year.
The figures were disclosed by Macau Hotel Association president Jocelyn Wong Suk Yan in comments published Monday by Macao Daily News.
Wong said the occupancy result was in line with industry expectations, supported by year-on-year growth in visitor arrivals and Macau’s busy calendar of events.
However, the addition of more budget and five-star hotels has expanded the city’s room supply. Some travelers also chose to stay in neighboring Zhuhai or Hengqin while visiting Macau, increasing pricing pressure on hotels in parts of the peninsula.
Mainland China remained Macau’s main source market during the summer, while families and travelers with children accounted for a larger share of demand. Concerts and other large events also supported weekend bookings, according to Wong.
International demand increased, led by Southeast Asian markets. Wong highlighted stronger growth from India and a recovery in the South Korean market.
Official data released by Macau’s Statistics and Census Service last Friday showed the city’s average hotel occupancy rate reached 91.6 percent in July, up 0.5 percentage points year-on-year. The number of hotel guests, however, fell 4.3 percent to 1.23 million.
Earlier in June, Wong said hotels in NAPE and the older districts of the Macau Peninsula recorded average occupancy of about 80 percent during the first half of the year, while room rates declined between 5 percent and 6 percent year-on-year.
Wong said hotel operators were seeking to support demand through event packages, partnerships with international booking platforms and cross-border hotel and MICE products involving Macau and Hengqin.
