"How to attract foreign tourists?" (+ Charter flights) II
may26
Sector do turismo quer alargar rede aérea para enfrentar a falta de rotas directas e de longo curso
A falta de rotas aéreas directas e de longo curso é considerado o maior obstáculo no desenvolvimento do turismo de Macau. Andy Wu, presidente da Associação de Indústria Turística de Macau, defende a maior cooperação entre as companhias aéreas, tanto do interior da China como do exterior, para trazer visitantes internacionais a Macau.
Andy Wu, presidente da Associação de Indústria Turística, considera necessário que as companhias aéreas, que operam em Macau, reforcem a cooperação com as suas empresas-mãe, bem como com as companhias aéreas nacionais e internacionais, para expandir a rede aérea e o mercado turístico do território.
O representante do sector do turismo argumentou que a colaboração das operadoras aéreas pode colmatar as deficiências da rede de Macau. “É preciso ultrapassar os obstáculos ao desenvolvimento [da indústria], dado que a insuficiência de rotas aéreas diretas constitui o maior desafio actual, sendo a falta de rotas de longo curso a principal lacuna”, entende.
Em declarações ao Jornal Ou Mun, Andy Wu propôs que as companhias de transporte aéreo que exploram rotas de Macau aproveitem a rede da China continental, de forma a lançarem mais rotas de longo curso com escala no interior da China, permitindo que os turistas estendam as suas viagens a Macau através do modelo de “uma viagem, várias paragens”, indica o responsável.
Andy Wu deu o exemplo de atrair visitantes da Rússia, referindo que as províncias do nordeste da China continental são próximas da Rússia e podem assim atrair turistas de longa distância de mercados emergentes a fazer escala em Macau. A abordagem poderá “apoiar o crescimento do turismo internacional através de uma rede de rotas diversificada”, disse.
Recorde-se que o terceiro Plano Quinquenal de Desenvolvimento Socioeconómico de Macau (2026-2030) está agora em consulta pública, documento que, entre diversos aspectos, propõe a melhoria da qualidade do desenvolvimento do sector do turismo, a angariação de turistas internacionais e a dinamização da economia comunitária.
Em relação à direcção e aos objectivos de desenvolvimento turístico apresentados no plano, Andy Wu considera que são “pragmáticos e exequíveis”.
Salientou ainda que o sector está “confiante” na meta de um crescimento anual estável de cerca de 5% no número de visitantes internacionais em Macau entre 2026 e 2030. Wu justificou que o ritmo de recuperação do turismo internacional tem sido “ideal” devido ao trabalho de promoção no exterior por parte do Governo, bem como às políticas de isenção ou simplificação de vistos implementadas pelas autoridades chinesas.
O Executivo de Macau prevê que este ano a chegada de visitantes internacionais deverá voltar ao nível de três milhões de pessoas registado em 2019. No ano passado, o número de visitantes internacionais em Macau ultrapassou os 2,755 milhões, recuperando cerca de 90% dos níveis pré-pandémicos.
Segundo a análise de Andy Wu, a recuperação em alguns mercados tradicionais, como o japonês e o sul-coreano, “tem sido mais lenta” devido ao impacto do contexto económico internacional. No entanto, “os mercados das Filipinas, do Sudeste Asiático e da Rússia apresentam uma tendência de crescimento animadora”, apontou.
https://pontofinal-macau.com/2026/05/21/sector-do-turismo-quer-alargar-rede-aerea-para-enfrentar-a-falta-de-rotas-directas-e-de-longo-curso/
Andy Wu, por outro lado, sugeriu que as empresas locais façam um maior investimento na indústria de ‘Big Health’ e no turismo desportivo, enquanto apostas em elementos não relacionados com o jogo, para atrair “turistas internacionais de alto nível”.
may26 Plano quinquenal 5% ano
O presidente da Associação de Indústria Turística de Macau, Andy Wu, considera viável o objectivo do 3º Plano Quinquenal que prevê um crescimento de 5 por cento ao ano do número de turistas internacionais
A Associação de Indústria Turística de Macau acredita que os objectivos do novo Plano Quinquenal do Governo ao nível do turismo são “viáveis”. A posição sobre o plano para os anos entre 2026 e 2030 foi tomada pelo presidente da associação, Andy Wu Keng Kuong, em declarações ao jornal Ou Mun.
O documento que foi colocado em consulta pública na terça-feira estabelece como metas para o turismo um crescimento anual de cinco por cento do número de turistas internacionais até 2030 e a “expansão das fontes internacionais de turismo”. Em termos de metas qualitativas, o documento contempla objectivos menos mesuráveis como a “melhoria da qualidade do desenvolvimento do turismo”. Ainda assim, na perspectiva do presidente da associação, as metas são “pragmáticas” e “viáveis” e existe confiança na indústria que vai ser possível aumentar o número de turistas internacionais.
Andy Wu explicou que as previsões do Governo para este ano apontam que Macau deverá receber cerca de 3 milhões de turistas internacionais, o nível de 2019, antes da pandemia da covid-19, que levou o Executivo a impor forte restrições de entrada no território. Em 2025, o número de turistas internacionais foi de 2,75 milhões, cerca de 90 por cento dos níveis de 2019.
Face a esta evolução, o dirigente associativo explicou que a tendência actual é “encorajadora”, mesmo se alguns mercados internacionais mais tradicionais, como a Coreia do Sul e o Japão, tenham apresentado uma recuperação mais lenta. A retoma nestes mercados foi justificada com “o ambiente económico internacional”. No entanto, Andy Wu apontou que o número de turistas de outros destinos, como a Rússia, Filipinas e outros países do Sudeste Asiático têm compensado o menor crescimento dos mercados tradicionais.
Desafios por ultrapassar
No entanto, para alcançar os resultados, Andy Wu defende o reforço da cooperação do Governo com companhias aéreas internacionais e resolver o problema da falta de voos para Macau. Wu explicou que a falta de voos directos de destinos internacionais para Macau continua a ser um problema crónico, sem resolução, principalmente ao nível dos voos com longa duração. Para o presidente da associação, esta é mesmo a principal fragilidade ao nível do turismo.
O dirigente associativo demonstrou ainda apoio à nova estratégia do Executivo de tentar melhorar as ligações com os grandes centros de aviação do Interior da China, como Xangai ou Pequim, para atrair visitantes que utilizam esses aeroportos para viajar para Macau. Como parte desta estratégia, Wu apontou que se podem atrair mais turistas da Rússia para Macau.
https://hojemacau.com.mo/2026/05/22/turismo-andy-wu-da-voto-de-confianca-ao-novo-plano-quinquenal/
may26
Macau is aiming to attract three million international visitors in 2026, up from 2.7 million last year, according to Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) deputy director Cheng Wai Tong, who outlined the target at the opening of G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo yesterday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Cheng said Macau is pursuing diversification of visitor source markets, with international growth showing a better ratio compared to last year. He noted that while previous international marketing efforts were mostly focused on Southeast and Northeast Asia, Macau has now expanded to Europe, having recently completed a large roadshow and online promotional activities in Spain.
“We are rolling out promotional campaigns in Europe,” Cheng said. He added that Macau will also explore Central Asian markets and continues to develop markets including India and the Americas. A planned Middle Eastern market push has been delayed due to the current international situation and requires further observation.
Cheng said Macau hopes to maintain at least five percent annual growth in international arrivals in the coming years. However, he noted that global flight cancellations and reductions pose challenges. The government is assessing the situation through a cross-departmental mechanism involving the tourism and civil aviation departments, with fuel prices also being monitored.
To attract international visitors already in the region, Cheng said Macau is focusing on Hong Kong and the wider Greater Bay Area (GBA). International visitors arriving at Hong Kong airport can already take a free bus to Macau. The MGTO is also exploring partnerships with ferry operators to attract MICE visitors and cruise passengers to extend their itineraries.
Cheng said Macau is also looking at major mainland aviation hubs such as Shanghai and Beijing, which have direct flights to Macau and extensive international networks, to create multi-destination travel options for international travelers.
When asked about changing consumption patterns among mainland tourists, Cheng said the shift is not limited to mainland visitors but reflects a global trend away from sightseeing and shopping toward vacation-style travel focused on dining, experiences, and performances. He noted that Macau has already adjusted its product offerings accordingly, organizing MICE events, concerts, shows, and sports events to attract experiential tourists.
Regarding Macau’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Cheng said the city is confident in its offerings and will not respond to isolated criticism of its food scene.
https://macaudailytimes.com.mo/mgto-targets-three-million-international-arrivals-in-2026.html
may26
Travel demand for Macau from overseas markets, including the Middle East and Asia, is rising, with accommodation searches from the Middle East more than tripling from a year earlier, said digital travel platform Agoda.
The company shared the figures this week as it said it would expand its partnership with the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) for the year. MGTO and Agoda have worked together since 2025, running hotel promotion campaigns in international markets across Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and the Middle East.
Agoda said interest in Macau has broadened across a wide range of source markets, with the strongest year-on-year growth in accommodation searches coming from the Middle East, up 247 percent. That was followed by India at 70 percent, Japan at 62 percent, Thailand at 56 percent, the Philippines at 39 percent, and Singapore at 25 percent.
https://macaubusiness.com/middle-east-drives-surge-in-travel-interest-in-macau-agoda-says/
ab26
The city’s six gaming operators will fund and take part in running two new Macau government backed promotion centres for Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia, drawing on budgets earmarked for non-gaming investment under their concession commitments.
The plan was set out by the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) in a recent written response to questions from legislator Joey Lao Chi Ngai on the city’s tourism strategy.
MGTO said the Southeast Asia Economic, Trade, Tourism and Cultural Promotion Centre of Macau will be established in Malaysia in the first half of this year. It added that the government is also preparing to launch a similar Northeast Asia centre, without disclosing its location, and is studying whether to open representative offices in other regions.
Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai pledged last year in his Policy Address for 2026 that Macau would set up two representative offices for Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia to expand the city’s reach in international visitor source markets.
“The integrated resort operators will use funds earmarked for non-gaming investment to cover the costs of these offices and take part in their operations,” MGTO said, referring to the city’s six gaming operators.
“[They will] leverage their global networks for targeted marketing to enhance Macau’s overall image and help attract international visitors,” it added.
Since the start of their new 10-year concessions in 2023, the six gaming operators have committed to invest MOP108.7 billion (US$13.47 billion) in non-gaming projects from 2023 to 2032. That requirement rose by 20 percent to more than MOP130.4 billion after the city’s gross gaming revenue exceeded a predetermined threshold of MOP180 billion in 2023.
Mulling joint incentives with mainland China
MGTO said relevant departments would continue to ensure gaming operators deliver on concession commitments, and that the government would work with them to intensify promotion via social media, international media platforms and influencer channels to showcase Macau’s tourism offering to overseas visitors.
Macau welcomed 755,756 international visitors in the first quarter of 2026, up 10.7 percent from a year earlier and representing 6.74 percent of total arrivals, according to official data. Officials have said international arrivals beyond Greater China could recover to about 3 million this year, compared with 3.07 million in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic.
MGTO also said in the reply that it is studying joint incentive measures with mainland China to encourage international travellers to extend trips from the mainland to Macau. The government plans to deepen cooperation with airlines, targeting international source markets served by direct flights to Hong Kong, Macau and nearby mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area cities through discounted air fares, bundled travel offers and joint campaigns, it added.
The government has recently said complimentary ferry tickets for overseas business travellers attending conferences and exhibitions in Hong Kong are being considered, as part of efforts to lift international visitation. Macau has offered free transport from Hong Kong to Macau since 2024 for international travellers arriving via Hong Kong International Airport.
‘Prioritising quantity with quality’
Looking ahead, MGTO said Macau aims to sustain growth in arrivals while optimising the allocation of tourism resources, shifting from volume driven expansion to a model that “balances quantity with quality”.
The tourism office cited its visitor research showing 97.3 percent of respondents were satisfied with their trip last year. On intent to revisit, respondents gave Macau a score of 8.5 out of 10, indicating strong overall satisfaction and a relatively high likelihood of returning.
Total visitor arrivals to Macau rose 13.7 percent year-on-year to 11.21 million in the first three months of 2026, after a 14.7 percent increase to a record 40.07 million in 2025.
https://macaubusiness.com/casino-operators-to-finance-macaus-new-southeast-northeast-asia-promotion-offices/
jan26
Ng Wai Han, directora da DICJ, assegurou que estão estabelecidas “normas rigorosas” no que respeita à análise das receitas brutas geradas por jogadores estrangeiros. Segundo explicou, há uma “verificação diária” destas receitas
A Direcção de Inspecção e Coordenação de Jogos (DICJ) garante que tem estabelecido “normas rigorosas” às medidas de identificação dos clientes de países estrangeiros e às receitas brutas do jogo por eles geradas. “Concretamente, as concessionárias obrigam-se a estabelecer procedimentos operacionais padrão e mecanismos de auditoria interna e regular”, refere a directora, Ng Wai Han, em resposta a uma interpelação do deputado José Pereira Coutinho.
O objectivo, continua, é “assegurar que todas as transacções e actividades de jogo dos clientes provenientes de países estrangeiros sejam efectuadas por visitantes estrangeiros em conformidade com o definido, verificando com eficácia a actualização, exactidão e integridade dos registos no respeitante às receitas brutas do jogo”.
Mais ainda, Ng Wai Han afirmou que “os procedimentos operacionais padrão e o mecanismo de auditoria devem ser previamente aprovados pela DICJ”, além de que, “após a aprovação dos procedimentos operacionais padrão e o mecanismo de auditoria, a DICJ continuará a proceder à apreciação e verificação diárias das receitas brutas do jogo geradas por clientes de países estrangeiros”.
A líder do organismo refere ainda que, quando a concessionária apresentar o requerimento para a redução ou isenção das contribuições, a DICJ “irá ainda verificar os documentos comprovativos e informações apresentados pela concessionária, bem como procederá à auditoria, incluindo a verificação aleatória dos dados de identificação dos jogadores e dos registos de jogo, etc., a fim de verificar se as receitas brutas do jogo provêm de visitantes estrangeiros em conformidade com o definido”.
Recorde-se que, em 2024, as seis concessionárias de jogo foram isentas de pagar aproximadamente 150 milhões de dólares de Hong Kong, ao abrigo da Lei do jogo, que concede uma isenção de até 5% sobre o imposto do jogo nas receitas geradas por jogadores internacionais. Ainda segundo as informações avançadas pelo presidente da 2ª Comissão Permanente da Assembleia Legislativa, as operadoras aumentaram os investimentos não-jogo em 170 milhões de patacas.
O deputado José Pereira Coutinho tinha questionado o Governo sobre quantos pedidos de redução ou isenção de contribuições foram analisados e quantos foram aprovados desde 2023 e até ao momento, uma pergunta que ficou sem resposta.
Além disso, também perguntou sobre que tipo de provas documentais concretas são exigidas às concessionárias do jogo para demonstrar que foi através das suas acções promocionais ou de negócio que atraíram efectivamente os jogadores estrangeiros “e não factores genéricos e fortuitos como a reabertura das fronteiras”.
Na resposta, Ng Wai Han salienta que, na candidatura ao concurso público para a atribuição de concessões para a exploração de jogos de fortuna ou azar em casino, “as concessionárias apresentaram claramente os seus compromissos e planos quanto à expansão dos mercados de clientes de países estrangeiros, cujos conteúdos foram incorporados no contrato de concessão”. “E o Governo da RAEM tem continuado a fiscalizar o cumprimento das obrigações contratuais”, assegurou.
Noutro âmbito, e em resposta a uma outra interpelação igualmente de Pereira Coutinho, Ng Wai Han indicou que a DICJ “está a realizar os trabalhos de revisão, no sentido de analisar o cumprimento das responsabilidades sociais por parte das [operadoras de jogo], bem como a promoção da diversificação adequada da economia e do desenvolvimento sustentável, entre outros aspectos”.
https://jtm.com.mo/local/dicj-garante-rigor-na-analise-de-receitas-geradas-por-estrangeiros/
jan26
Macau’s foreigner-only gaming zones continue to make only a marginal contribution to overall casino revenue despite signs of early progress, an analyst and industry observer told AGB.
The segment generated about HK$3 billion ($385 million) in gross gaming revenue in 2024 and triggered HK$150 million ($19.2 million) in levy relief for operators.
Foreign player gaming accounted for roughly 0.17 percent of total casino revenue for the year, according to a government budget execution review.
The review was discussed last month at the Legislative Assembly of Macau, marking the first time authorities have publicly disclosed detailed data on gaming revenue generated by foreign players under the current incentive framework.
Under Macau’s revised gaming law, operators may receive up to a 5 percent reduction in special contributions linked to gaming revenue generated by international visitors, provided the activity takes place in designated gaming zones within casino properties. These zones were established as part of a broader strategy to encourage operators to develop facilities and services aimed at non-mainland Chinese customers.
Committee chairman and lawmaker Ip Sio Kai said the relief mechanism is intended to support efforts to diversify Macau’s visitor base and reduce reliance on a single source market. The policy forms part of the government’s wider push to reposition the city as an international tourism and leisure destination.
Limited impact
An analyst at an international investment bank, who preferred not to be identified, told Asia Gaming Brief that the financial impact remains limited.
“I think these are positive developments, but they are too small to matter, as foreigners contributed roughly 1 percent of total GGR in 2025,” the analyst said, adding that such levels are insufficient to materially influence operators’ earnings or investment decisions.
Speaking to AGB, Billy Song, president of the Macau Responsible Gaming Association, said the foreigner-only zones require more tailored approaches to become effective. He noted that such areas need to better reflect the cultural backgrounds and preferences of target markets.
“Because these are dedicated zones for foreign visitors, there should be more cultural elements linked to their source markets,” Song said. “For example, having staff who speak Thai or Japanese and providing services that match their preferences could make the experience more attractive.”
Song added that the current scale of foreign play is broadly in line with earlier expectations, given Macau’s tourism structure, in which visitors from mainland China continue to account for the majority of arrivals.
He also noted that many international tourists may still choose to gamble in mass-market areas rather than in designated zones, limiting the policy’s effectiveness.
Under Macau’s gaming regime, operators are subject to an effective tax rate of 40 percent on gross gaming revenue, including a 35 percent direct gaming tax and 5 percent in special contributions. The levy relief applies only to the latter and does not affect core tax revenue, according to government officials.
The government introduced the incentive framework in 2023 as part of the new gaming law, aiming to encourage operators to strengthen overseas marketing, improve international air connectivity, and develop more diversified tourism products.
Officials have repeatedly stressed that the policy is a long-term measure and that its impact will take time to materialize.
Macau’s foreigner-only gaming zones continue to make only a marginal contribution to overall casino revenue despite signs of early progress, an analyst and industry observer told AGB.
The segment generated about HK$3 billion ($385 million) in gross gaming revenue in 2024 and triggered HK$150 million ($19.2 million) in levy relief for operators.
Foreign player gaming accounted for roughly 0.17 percent of total casino revenue for the year, according to a government budget execution review.
The review was discussed last month at the Legislative Assembly of Macau, marking the first time authorities have publicly disclosed detailed data on gaming revenue generated by foreign players under the current incentive framework.
Under Macau’s revised gaming law, operators may receive up to a 5 percent reduction in special contributions linked to gaming revenue generated by international visitors, provided the activity takes place in designated gaming zones within casino properties. These zones were established as part of a broader strategy to encourage operators to develop facilities and services aimed at non-mainland Chinese customers.
Committee chairman and lawmaker Ip Sio Kai said the relief mechanism is intended to support efforts to diversify Macau’s visitor base and reduce reliance on a single source market. The policy forms part of the government’s wider push to reposition the city as an international tourism and leisure destination.
Limited impact
An analyst at an international investment bank, who preferred not to be identified, told Asia Gaming Brief that the financial impact remains limited.
“I think these are positive developments, but they are too small to matter, as foreigners contributed roughly 1 percent of total GGR in 2025,” the analyst said, adding that such levels are insufficient to materially influence operators’ earnings or investment decisions.
Speaking to AGB, Billy Song, president of the Macau Responsible Gaming Association, said the foreigner-only zones require more tailored approaches to become effective. He noted that such areas need to better reflect the cultural backgrounds and preferences of target markets.
“Because these are dedicated zones for foreign visitors, there should be more cultural elements linked to their source markets,” Song said. “For example, having staff who speak Thai or Japanese and providing services that match their preferences could make the experience more attractive.”
Song added that the current scale of foreign play is broadly in line with earlier expectations, given Macau’s tourism structure, in which visitors from mainland China continue to account for the majority of arrivals.
He also noted that many international tourists may still choose to gamble in mass-market areas rather than in designated zones, limiting the policy’s effectiveness.
Under Macau’s gaming regime, operators are subject to an effective tax rate of 40 percent on gross gaming revenue, including a 35 percent direct gaming tax and 5 percent in special contributions. The levy relief applies only to the latter and does not affect core tax revenue, according to government officials.
The government introduced the incentive framework in 2023 as part of the new gaming law, aiming to encourage operators to strengthen overseas marketing, improve international air connectivity, and develop more diversified tourism products.
Officials have repeatedly stressed that the policy is a long-term measure and that its impact will take time to materialize.
https://agbrief.com/intel/deep-dive/05/02/2026/macaus-foreigner-only-gaming-zones-show-early-gains-but-remain-marginal-to-overall-revenue-experts/?utm_source=Asia+Gaming+Brief&utm_campaign=df8cd44768-AGB%3A+%2302321+Thursday%2C+05th+February%2C+2026&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_51950b5d21-df8cd44768-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&ct=t%28AGB%3A+%2302321+Thursday%2C+05th+February%2C+2026%29&goal=0_51950b5d21-df8cd44768-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=df8cd44768&mc_eid=31e20475e6
jan26
Visitors from Portugal, Spain below pre-pandemic levels despite investments
https://macaudailytimes.com.mo/visitors-from-portugal-spain-below-pre-pandemic-levels-despite-investments.html
(desde 26/1/26)
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