Macao generated US$32.6 billion in tourism revenue last year, earning it the top spot in China, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation announced in a report that was cited by local media outlets. The figure marks an increase of 275 percent year-on-year, spurred by the recovery of the tourism industry following the dismantling of pandemic travel restrictions in early 2023.
Internationally, the SAR was ranked 13th, beating far bigger destinations such as India and Mexico.
The US bagged first place, with tourism earnings that totalled almost US$176 billion. This was followed by Spain and the UK, which raked in revenues of US$92 billion and US$73.9 billion respectively. France came in fourth place, accumulating a revenue of US$68.6 billion, then Italy, whose total almost reached US$56 billion.
[See more: Macao bags first place in a Chinese Tourism Academy satisfaction survey]
According to the report, China reclaimed its position from the US as the leading spender on international tourism last year, with a consumption figure of US$197.7 billion. In comparison, the US registered a total of US$123.2 billion.
Macao’s tourism industry has been growing from strength to strength since the end of pandemic restrictions. Late last month, the city was voted for the first time as the destination that mainland Chinese travellers were most satisfied with during the first quarter of 2024, surpassing Hong Kong.
The city welcomed 28.23 million visitors in 2023 and is expected to boost this total to 33 million this year.
