From Post-Pandemic Recovery to Record: Macau’s Tourism Hits New Heights

According to the official statement from the Public Security Police, the number of visitors in 2025 hit 40.06 million. This achievement not only exceeded pre-COVID-19 figures but also signalled the complete recovery of travel activity in the region.

City’s Ascend: Core Metrics

The previous benchmark of 39.4 million visitors, set in 2019, has now been surpassed. Compared with 2024, Macau’s overall attendance volume rose by 14.7%.

Local authorities reported that the historic milestone was reached by 11:00 a.m. on December 27th, after which the customary pre-New Year inflow of tourists further boosted the figures.

The expansion of the arrival pool was accompanied by a substantial surge in cross-border movements. According to the local police department, the total reached 235 million. This number represents a 9.8% increase compared to 2024 and stands as the highest ever recorded in Macau’s history.

The traveller distribution was as follows:

• residents accounted for 36.4%;
• non-citizens (workers) for 26.1%;
• tourists for 33.9%.

The most active crossing points were:

• the Border Gate — 52.7% of total movements;
• the Qingmao Checkpoint — 15.4%;
• the Hengqin Port — 12.9%.

Holiday Season Sparks Impressive Tourism Influx

On January 1st, 2026, Macau recorded 188,036 visitors, while an additional 860,000+ crossings were registered across all entry points. The following day demonstrated similar dynamics, with 822,272 total movements and 188,561 travellers.

Overall, between December 31st and January 1st, the region welcomed 368,538 tourists, marking a 63.7% YoY upturn. The majority of sightseers came via the Hengqin and Border Gate, Macau’s busiest links to mainland China.

International Flights: General Dynamics

Despite the record-high influx of visitors, overall traveller traffic remained relatively low. In 2025, Macau’s International Airport served approximately 7.52 million passengers, representing a 1.6% decline compared with 2024. The corporation explained this dip by pointing to a weakened global economic situation and heightened ambiguity, especially during the 1st half of the year and the peak summer period.

Meanwhile, the volume of international tourists rose by 7%, and the number of overseas routes increased by 26%. Cargo traffic also registered a modest 1.08% YoY growth.

By year-end, the airport handled 29 airlines to 47 destinations in:

• Japan;
• Taiwan;
• South Korea, etc.

The 4th quarter brought notable progress, with flights to Cebu, Jinan, Haiphong, and other hotspots either resumed or introduced. In addition, active negotiations with Middle Eastern companions are underway to further broaden the global network.

Tourism Boom Fuels Macau’s Gambling Sector

The intense rise in traveller volume has gone hand in hand with the strengthening of Macau’s gaming venues. According to DICJ, the local regulatory authority, the sphere's gross revenue totalled MOP 247.4 billion (around $30.9 billion) by the end of 2025, reflecting a 9.1% increase over 2024. Gambling operators also reported a significant boost in player activity across the VIP and premium mass categories.

The majority of casino attendees came from mainland China and Hong Kong, following the full stabilisation of cross-border traffic after pandemic restrictions were lifted. The demand for regional movements remains steady, and industry analysts view this momentum as a new launchpad for Macau’s continued growth, reinforcing its standing as a promising hub in Asia and on the international arena.