Macao recorded its highest-ever number of visitor arrivals in 2025, according to official figures, underscoring a strong rebound for the city’s tourism sector and renewed momentum in efforts to attract a broader mix of visitors.
Data from Macao’s Public Security Police shows total visitor arrivals reached 40.06 million in 2025, up 1.66% year on year and above pre-pandemic levels.
Earlier government figures indicated that by October 2025, Macao had already welcomed more than 33 million visitors, with international arrivals exceeding 2.15 million, a 13.6% year-on-year increase.
Mainland China and the Greater Bay Area continued to make up the bulk of arrivals. At the same time, tourism authorities reported steady growth in international markets, particularly in Northeast and Southeast Asia. South Korea emerged as Macao’s largest international source market in the first half of 2025, followed by the Philippines and Japan.
Robust hospitality
From a hotel industry perspective, 2025 marked a “strong and encouraging year,” said Rutger Verschuren, area vice president of Macau operations for Artyzen Hospitality Group, noting that around 60% of visitors were day-trippers, largely from the Greater Bay Area.
“This volume has been vital for occupancy, food and beverage performance, and overall city vitality, particularly during weekends, public holidays and mega-event days,” he said.
Sands China also reported strong momentum, with The Londoner Macao emerging as a standout performer. “Mainland China remains our primary engine of growth,” said Stephanie Tanpure, VP of sales, adding that the company also saw a “robust resurgence” in international demand.
“Markets such as South Korea, Singapore and Southeast Asia, alongside a steady return of Australian travellers, have been instrumental in driving the positive trajectory we are seeing across the Macao tourism landscape.”
The accommodation sector also underwent a notable shift in 2025, as the closure of 10 satellite gaming operations redirected more than 2,000 rooms into the non-gaming hotel market. With total room supply now standing at around 47,000 across all categories, Macao is increasingly equipped to support a broader mix of leisure, corporate and event-related travel.
Diversifying Macao’s appeal
One of the most significant developments for the sector was progress toward positioning Macao and Hengqin as a combined destination. Verschuren highlighted new visa arrangements allowing visitors to move between the two areas over several days, alongside extended transit visa policies, as “meaningful breakthroughs” that lay the groundwork for longer stays and more diversified itineraries.
Beyond Macao and Hengqin, another important development is the emergence of a master plan to position the Greater Bay Area as a single tourism destination, with each of its nine cities and regions contributing its own distinct character, attractions and experiences. “This will unfold an enormous new potential for the GBA,” says Verschuren.
Looking ahead to 2026, industry leaders see international diversification as increasingly critical. While Mainland China is expected to remain the backbone of demand, Verschuren pointed to strong potential in Southeast Asia, South Korea and India, as well as growing interest from the Middle East, supported by Macao’s inclusion in the Global Muslim Travel Index and expanded halal-friendly offerings.
“The city offers a depth of experiences that comfortably exceeds a one- or two-day stay, spanning luxury hospitality, dining, heritage, culture, and entertainment,” Verschuren said. “The challenge now is less about adding new products and more about connecting, packaging, and storytelling – helping visitors see Macao as a destination that rewards time, exploration, and repeat visits.”
In turn, Sands China responded by prioritising agility and premiumisation, moving away from broad discounting in favour of dynamic pricing, while investing heavily in service training. “Service is our greatest differentiator,” said Tanpure.