Macao’s Tourism Development Committee convened yesterday for its first plenary meeting of the year. The committee reviewed positive visitor trends exhibited in the first half of the year, as well as upcoming plans for major international events.
At the meeting, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) presented provisional data on the city’s tourism industry for the first half of 2025.
Macao saw 19.223 million visitor arrivals from January to June 2025, 15 percent higher than the same period last year. Of those, 1.34 million were international visitors, most of whom hailed from South Korea, the Philippines and Indonesia.
The SAR government plans to focus on economic diversification and integrate the tourism and leisure industries, said Anton Tai Kin Ip, the finance secretary, at the meeting. City authorities also hope to continue the development of Hengqin, as well as strengthen Macao’s international role as a bridge between Beijing and the lusophone countries.
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MGTO’s plans for the rest of the year include mega roadshows in Lisbon, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur to attract a more diverse group of visitors. Additionally, events such as the ongoing 2025 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, 33rd Macao International Fireworks Display Contest and Macao International Light Festival will also be major focal points.
Additional topics mentioned were the upcoming Law on the Operation of Travel Agencies and the Tour Guide Profession, cracking down on illegal players in the industry, as well as the new Integrity Business Award for local businesses, and action items from the newly reviewed Macao Tourism Industry Development Master Plan.
