Gov’t seeks deeper tourism cooperation as visitor numbers hit record high

Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said Macau is looking forward to engaging in in-depth exchanges with delegates from all member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to share insights on sustainable tourism and jointly explore new pathways for regional tourism cooperation.

Speaking at a welcome dinner for participants of the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting on Friday, Sam said the meeting is one of the most important platforms for economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and serves as both a major gathering for the tourism industry and a key event under the “APEC China 2026” agenda.

As cited in a statement released by the Government Information Bureau (GCS), Sam added that Macau would make full efforts to fulfill its role as host and ensure the success of the ministerial meeting.

The reception was jointly hosted by the Macao Special Administrative Region Government and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China to welcome high-level delegates attending APEC tourism meetings in Macau.

Sam noted that it has been 12 years since Macau last hosted the APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting in 2014, adding that its return carries significant meaning for the city.

The Chief Executive said Macau has historically played a bridging role in exchanges between China and the West and remains committed to contributing to international tourism cooperation across multiple fields.

Macau welcomed more than 40 million visitors in 2025, a record high. In the first quarter of this year, visitor arrivals rose about 14% year-on-year, with international arrivals increasing by more than 10% over the same period last year.

Per-capita non-gaming spending also grew by about 10% year-on-year, while spending by international visitors increased by more than 30%.

Meanwhile, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) director, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, used a recent APEC tourism meeting to outline Macau’s diversification strategy and push for deeper regional integration.

The 67th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Tourism Working Group meeting, held on June 24–25, brought together delegates from member economies to discuss digital transformation, skills development, travel facilitation, and sustainable growth in the sector.

Speaking at the meeting, Fernandes presented the government’s “1+4” economic diversification strategy, emphasizing closer links between tourism and sectors such as culture, technology, and events.

She highlighted efforts to integrate Macau’s tourism development with the Hengqin cooperation zone and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.

She also pointed to policy tools aimed at attracting international visitors, including a 240-hour visa-free transit arrangement designed to encourage multi-destination travel across the region. Her remarks included updates on smart tourism initiatives and new approaches to destination marketing.

In remarks at a welcome dinner, Fernandes said the working group has long provided a forum for economies to share perspectives and coordinate on tourism development. Macau has participated in the group since 2001, contributing its experience in regional cooperation and market recovery.

Cultural programming alongside the meeting, including exhibitions and workshops, highlighted Macau’s Chinese and Portuguese heritage, while a technical tour introduced delegates to the city’s historical sites and gastronomy sector.