The year 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the Macao Special Administrative Region and its progressive theme “Tourism+” to continue showcasing the success gathered by the city’s revival experiences, enriched by the UNESCO heritage sites and the emergence of integrated multi-complex resorts.
Rapid tourism recovery in Macao in 2023 saw over 28 million inbound tourists, with travellers from Thailand contributing 102,163 or 70% of the pre-pandemic records. This recovery follows the easing of border restrictions between Hong Kong and Macao, allowing tourists to extend their journeys overnight and spark new itinerary inspiration.
The rise in multi-complex resorts in Macao, combining 5-star accommodation, gaming concessions, theme parks, fine dining, shopping, and more, alongside the glamping tourism trend, has boosted visitation from both mass travellers and incentive-led business groups. These visitors enjoy the new nightlife scenes and vibrant events.
“From 2023 onwards, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has launched initiatives, highlighting incentive programmes among diverse industries and tourism trades in Thailand and other potential countries, allowing them to enjoy the revamped tourism offers in Macao. The ‘Tourism+’ concept encompasses Macao’s charms, featuring must-see attractions including cultural precincts, the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, sports destinations, health and well-being facilities, world-class events, and international music festivals,” announced Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).
Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of MGTO
The new face of Macao is also supported by innovative technologies such as a tourism information interchange platform, an application for visitor insights, smart applications for visitor flow, and an e-wallet facility allowing tourists from Thailand to spend directly via True Money Wallet.
In celebration of the 25th anniversary, Macao tourism authorities have launched the marketing campaign “My Treat For You,” offering 250,000 travel-related gifts, including “buy-one-get-one-free” air tickets, busses and ferries discounts, cross-border transportation arrangements, and tickets to world-acclaimed expos.
This campaign is promoted through the international roadshow “Experience Macao” and tourism networks in each target country. “Experience Macao” in Thailand was hosted at CentralWorld on the 1st floor from 14-16 June 2024, presenting exhibitions, interactive zones, games, workshops, social media check-ins, and appearances by Thailand’s rising influencers.
As a destination fused with Portuguese culture, the sightseeing and Macanese culinary experiences in Macao have astonished visitors from all over the world, including neighbouring regions such as China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The dazzling events in Macao have been a new highlight, amazing visitors with new lifestyles and leisure opportunities among international tourists. Upcoming major events in Macao include the 24th Macao Lotus Flower Festival (14-23 June), the Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao SAR - International Cities of Gastronomy Fest (14-23 June), the 71st Macau Grand Prix (14-17 November), and the Christmas Holidays (24-25 December).
For new updates and information on Macao, please visit www.macaotourism.gov.mo or follow us on www.facebook.com/th.macaotourism.