Macau recorded over 32.5 million visitors earlier this week, showing a 25.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. This figure is almost 88 percent of the 2019 pre-pandemic levels. Authorities have set a target of 34 million visitor arrivals for 2024, including nearly two million international visitors.
Record-breaking border crossings in 2024
According to the Public Security Police Force, the total number of entries and exits crossed 200 million as of 7 December, surpassing 2019’s record of 190 million by 2.7 percent. This includes, Macau residents who accounted for 36 percent, totalling 72.3 million, while non-resident workers who made up 28 percent, with 55.9 million crossings.
International visitors are expected to reach nearly two million by year-end.
New travel policies to boost Macau tourism
China’s National Immigration Administration has announced new travel rules that will be effective from 1 January 2025, which are expected to further boost Macau’s tourism industry. Mainland Chinese citizens with a Zhuhai household registration will be eligible for a new visa, allowing them to visit Macau once a week for up to seven days per trip.
Residents of Hengqin with a valid residency permit will also benefit from a multiple-entry visa, permitting unlimited visits to Macau for up to seven days per trip. These policies aim to make travel between Macau and its neighbouring cities more convenient and frequent, providing a significant boost to visitor numbers in the coming years.
IVS scheme drives visitor growth
Earlier this year, the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) was expanded to include ten more Chinese cities. This move has opened the door for millions of new travellers to visit Macau and Hong Kong, further contributing to the surge in visitor numbers.
Macau’s strategic focus on tourism infrastructure, coupled with these favourable policies, has made it a prime destination for Chinese and international travellers alike.
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