Macau prepares for Golden Week tourism surge

Macau is gearing up for a tourism surge during the upcoming May Day Labor Day Golden Week holiday.

The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is expecting a significant influx of visitors, with an average of 130,000 inbound tourists per day during the holiday period.

Hotel booking rates have already reached 60-70%, and are projected to rise further, surpassing 80-90% occupancy in the days leading up to the holiday.

According to a forecast from the National Immigration Administration (NIA), China’s border ports are expecting a daily average of 1.76 million inbound and outbound trips, up 40.5% year on year, during the upcoming May Day holiday.

During the five-day holiday starting May 1, international airports in China will see a steady increase of border arrivals and departures.

Land ports linking the Chinese mainland with Hong Kong and Macau will see a notable increase in entry-exit trips, with Gongbei Port in Zhuhai and Luohu Port in Shenzhen estimated to handle a daily average of 320,000 and 194,000 entry-exit trips respectively, according to official news agency Xinhua.

Meanwhile, despite the busy holiday season, popular attractions like the Macao Grand Prix Museum will maintain their normal operating hours to welcome guests.

To accommodate the expected visitor increase, the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) has planned advanced environmental hygiene measures.

IAM will intensify the cleaning of public streets and toilets, reinforcing inspection and supervision. It has also installed more than 200 signs to guide the public to the nearest facilities.

Inspections will be enhanced to ensure garbage areas, toilets and streets are free of issues.

Regarding the hiring of foreign language guides, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said travel agencies and tour guides will continue to bring in guides.

She also noted the bill to regulate travel agencies will be discussed in the Legislative Assembly’s subcommittee.

Authorities have been gathering feedback from industry groups and will share these views with lawmakers. Staff Reporter