Macau Sees Unprecedented Visitor Numbers in 2025 with 39.41 Million Tourists Ahead of New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Published on December 28, 2025

Macau, the renowned entertainment hub of Asia, has made a remarkable comeback by surpassing its pre-pandemic tourism record. As of December 27, 2025, Macau has officially reached a new milestone with 39.41 million visitor arrivals, exceeding the total recorded in 2019. This impressive achievement highlights the region’s resilient recovery and growing appeal as a premier travel destination. Mainland Chinese visitors continue to make up the majority of arrivals, followed by tourists from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other regions.

Macau Breaks Visitor Arrival Records in 2025

Macau has long been a popular destination for travelers seeking world-class entertainment, luxury resorts, and vibrant cultural experiences. With the latest data released by the Public Security Police, it is clear that the region’s tourism sector has fully bounced back, reaching new heights. In 2019, Macau’s tourism industry had set a record with 39.4 million visitors, but now, the city has surpassed that number, reaching 39.41 million visitors by December 27, 2025.

This resurgence in tourism signals a significant recovery for the region, following the challenges posed by the global pandemic. Authorities are anticipating even more visitors to arrive in the coming days as the New Year’s Eve celebrations draw near, with additional measures in place to manage the flow of tourists efficiently. The surge in arrivals is expected to peak in the last days of 2025, especially with the region’s vibrant New Year’s Eve countdown events.

Tourism Growth by the Numbers

• Total Visitor Arrivals (as of December 27, 2025): 39.41 million
• Mainland Chinese Visitors: 72.4% of total arrivals
• Hong Kong Visitors: 18.3% of total arrivals
• Taiwan Visitors: 2.5% of total arrivals
• Other Regions: 6.8% of total arrivals

Macau: The Gateway to Unmatched Entertainment

Macau, often referred to as the “Gambling Capital of the World,” is home to an array of world-famous integrated resorts, luxury hotels, and entertainment complexes. Over the years, the city has developed a unique blend of Asian and European influences, offering visitors an unforgettable cultural and leisure experience. From its casinos, fine dining, live performances, and shopping districts, Macau is truly an entertainment paradise.

In addition to its rich entertainment offerings, Macau’s historic architecture, UNESCO-listed heritage sites, and vibrant festivals provide a diverse appeal to tourists. The city continues to evolve with new attractions and upgrades to existing facilities, ensuring that there is always something fresh for returning visitors.

Key Attractions in Macau

• The Cotai Strip – The heart of Macau’s gaming and entertainment scene, featuring world-class resorts like The Venetian Macao and Galaxy Macau.
• Senado Square – A UNESCO World Heritage site offering a glimpse of Macau’s colonial past with its cobbled streets and iconic Portuguese architecture.
• Macau Tower – Offering panoramic views of the city and exciting activities like bungee jumping and skywalking.
• Ruins of St. Paul’s – One of Macau’s most famous landmarks, showcasing the ruins of the historic St. Paul’s Church.

Hengqin Port Sees Surge in Cross-Border Travel

In addition to record-breaking tourist arrivals, Hengqin Port, located just adjacent to Macau and close to the Cotai Strip, has also witnessed significant growth in cross-border movements. The port has become a popular entry point for travelers, especially since the upgraded passenger terminal opened in August 2020. By December 28, 2025, the port recorded over 30 million passenger crossings, marking a 32.6% increase in cross-border traffic compared to the previous year.

This surge in travel across Hengqin has been driven by the growing number of mainland Chinese tourists visiting Macau, alongside residents and workers making regular crossings. The Hengqin Port serves as a crucial gateway for visitors traveling between mainland China and Macau, offering a convenient and efficient entry point for tourists and residents alike.

Passenger Crossing Statistics at Hengqin Port

• Total Crossings (as of December 28, 2025): 30 million
• Average Daily Crossings: 83,000
• Macau Residents: 26.9% of total crossings
• Tourists: 38.9% of total crossings
• Non-local Tertiary Students: 17.9% of total crossings

Sustained Regional Travel Demand Fuels Growth

Macau’s tourism resurgence can be attributed to several factors, including sustained regional travel demand, strategic tourism initiatives by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), and the continuous rise of cross-border travel from mainland China and Hong Kong. The MGTO had projected that 38 million to 39 million visitors would travel to the city in 2025, and this estimate has already been met with a few days left in the year.

The MGTO’s successful marketing campaigns, partnerships with key regional tourism bodies, and collaborations with Macau’s leading hotel and casino operators have all contributed to the impressive rise in visitor numbers. Additionally, Hengqin Port has played a vital role in facilitating smoother and more frequent cross-border travel, allowing tourists and residents to access the city more easily.

Macau’s Tourism in 2025: A Bright Future Ahead

Macau’s impressive tourism growth in 2025 is only the beginning of what promises to be a continued upward trajectory for the region. As travel restrictions continue to ease globally, more visitors from around the world are expected to flock to Macau in the coming years. The region’s rich history, unmatched entertainment options, and world-class infrastructure ensure that Macau will remain a top global tourism destination for years to come.

New Year’s Eve 2025 celebrations are expected to draw even larger crowds, with fireworks displays, live events, and countdown parties set to light up the city. In the coming years, Macau’s tourism authorities plan to further enhance the visitor experience with new attractions, upgraded infrastructure, and a continued focus on sustainability in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Conclusion: Macau’s Tourism Resurgence Reflects a Bright Future

In conclusion, Macau’s tourism industry has proven its resilience, surpassing pre-pandemic records and setting new benchmarks for the future. With a diverse range of attractions, a booming entertainment scene, and a growing number of visitors, Macau remains one of the most exciting and dynamic destinations in Asia. As the city continues to evolve and attract global travelers, its tourism sector is expected to thrive, making Macau an indispensable part of Asia’s travel landscape.