Macau recorded strong visitor numbers during the 2026 Chinese New Year period, supported by tourism promotions, festive events and increased gaming activity. Authorities reported higher daily arrivals compared with previous years, while hotels and entertainment venues experienced high occupancy levels throughout the holiday.

Preliminary figures show the city welcomed about 1.554 million visitors between 15 and 23 February during the Spring Festival Golden Week. Daily arrivals averaged more than 173,000, exceeding both the 2025 level and the comparable 2019 holiday period. Mainland China remained the main source market, with an average of 134,000 visitors per day, while international arrivals averaged roughly 7,900 per day.

Visitor Numbers And Tourism Activity During Holiday Period

Tourism officials coordinated preparations across government departments, travel operators and community organizations ahead of the holiday. Festive celebrations, cultural performances and themed activities formed part of a wider effort to strengthen Macau’s position as a leisure destination.

Several public events were highlighted during the period. Celebrations included the “2026 Chinese New Year Activities”, the “Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Horse” and the “2026 Chinese New Year Drones and Fireworks Displays”. These initiatives formed part of broader holiday promotions intended to attract both residents and tourists.

Visitor arrivals showed a steady rise during the first days of the holiday. Daily figures exceeded 210,000 for three consecutive days, with nearly 228,000 arrivals recorded on the third day of Chinese New Year. This marked the highest single-day visitor count since official statistics began.

Hotel demand reflected the increase in tourism activity. Industry data indicated average hotel occupancy reached 95.6% during the holiday, peaking at 99.2% on 20 February. Attractions such as the Macao Grand Prix Museum also reported higher attendance, welcoming more than 10,000 visitors during the period.

The holiday travel surge coincided with increased casino activity. Analysts observed higher betting volumes in the premium mass segment, with total wagers reaching HKD24.4 million. The number of players in this category increased modestly, while average bets rose significantly compared with the previous year.

Citigroup analysts George Choi and Timothy Chau wrote that “premium mass demand remains robust”. Data showed the average wager per premium player climbed to HKD29,625, representing a year-on-year increase. The same survey identified 53 high-value players during the holiday, with combined wagers totaling HKD11.3 million.

The analysts forecast monthly gross gaming revenue of MOP20 billion, suggesting slight annual growth. Combined revenue for the first two months of 2026 could show stronger improvement based on early projections.

Additional survey findings pointed to shifts among major operators. One operator reportedly increased its share of premium mass wagering to about a quarter of the observed total, while another ranked second with a slightly lower share. Analysts also noted a moderate rise in minimum baccarat bets, which they associated with signs of recovery in broader gaming segments.

Tourism Management And Industry Coordination

Authorities implemented several operational measures during the holiday period. As reported by Macau Government Tourism Office, temporary pedestrian zones were created in parts of Macau Peninsula and Taipa Village to manage visitor flows. Information services remained active, and tourism inspectors conducted nearly 200 checks at entry points, attractions, hotels and retail locations.

Tourism hotlines continued operating throughout the holiday. Officials reported receiving a limited number of complaints, mostly related to accommodation bookings, service standards and attractions. Cases were either addressed directly or referred to relevant departments.

In addition to tourism promotion, community events extended the festive atmosphere beyond major attractions. Local businesses participated in themed activities that included performances, promotional offers and interactive installations.