The total number of persons engaged in the hotel sector decreased by 2,846 to 40,141 in 2021, according to data released by the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC). Sector revenue expanded 48.2% year-on-year to MOP19.32 billion in 2021; however, the figure represented a decline of 49.5% against 2019. Sector expenditure totaled MOP22.76 billion, up 1.7% year-on-year. The sector recorded a deficit of MOP3.46 billion, which has narrowed compared to 2020 (-MOP9.41 billion). Analyzed by classification, revenue of five-star hotels (MOP15.19 billion), four-star hotels (MOP2.43 billion) and three-star hotels (MOP1.61 billion) swelled 51.4%, 57.1% and 18.0% year-on-year respectively – albeit, from a low base.
Exports reach MOP1b in September
Total merchandise exports amounted to MOP1 billion in September this year, up 2.8% year-on-year. The value of re-exports (MOP861 million) grew 11.1%, including casino-related re-exports, jumped 508.3%, while those of diamonds and diamond jewelry fell 55.4%. From January to September this year, the total value of merchandise exports increased 3% year-on-year to MOP10.13 billion, while re-exports (MOP8.61 billion) and domestic exports (MOP1.52 billion) rose 2.8% and 4.0% respectively. According to the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), external merchandise trade totaled MOP112.51 billion from January to September this year, down 8.4% compared with MOP122.85 billion a year earlier.