Macau Smashes All Records with Over 1.2 million Visitors in Lunar New Year Week, Dominating Asian Tourism!

Published on February 23, 2026

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Macau has broken a significant tourism record, with more than 1.2 million visitors arriving during the first week of the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday. This surge reflects the strong recovery of the tourism sector in the region, as mainland Chinese travellers flock to the city for the Spring Festival celebrations. This week-long influx of tourists has not only boosted Macau’s economy but also highlighted the region’s prominent role as a holiday destination during the peak Chinese travel period.

According to data from the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO), the seven days of the holiday, running from 15 to 21 February 2026, saw over 1.2 million people visit, marking a strong start to the Chinese New Year Golden Week. The influx of visitors is consistent with the trends in recent years, underscoring the importance of the Spring Festival for the city’s tourism sector.

Record-Breaking Numbers Drive Economic Boost

On the third day of the holiday alone, 227,943 visitors entered Macau, setting a new single-day record. This massive spike was followed by another peak of 214,000 visitors on the fifth day. These high numbers reflect the region’s growing popularity during the Chinese New Year, a time when family reunions and leisure travel intersect. This surge in visitors is not just a tourism win for the city, but also has a significant impact on key industries, particularly hospitality, retail, and gaming.

The strong visitor turnout can be attributed to several factors, including the nine-day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. During this period, Chinese nationals traditionally travel to spend time with family or enjoy leisure travel. With Macau’s proximity to mainland China, it has always been a favored destination for many. The high volume of travellers has translated into 95% hotel occupancy rates, with luxury retail and gaming sectors also seeing increased activity.

Impact of Mainland Chinese Tourism

Approximately 77% of the visitors came from mainland China, according to the MGTO, emphasizing how vital Chinese nationals are to Macau’s tourism growth. This heavy reliance on mainland tourism is evident during significant holidays such as the Lunar New Year, where a large portion of the population travels abroad. Macau’s close proximity to the mainland and its reputation for high-end hotels, casinos, and cultural attractions make it an ideal getaway for both short and long stays.

The city’s border checkpoints experienced heavy traffic, with more than 769,000 border crossings on the fifth day alone, underscoring the busy movement of visitors. These high numbers confirm that Macau is regaining its status as a major hub for regional tourism. In fact, the region has been bouncing back strongly after the pandemic, with significant improvements in tourism numbers seen in 2025 and continuing into 2026.

Hotel and Retail Sectors Flourish

The surge in visitor numbers has also given a boost to Macau’s hospitality industry. Many of the city’s luxury hotels reported full occupancy, with room rates significantly higher compared to regular times. The retail sector also benefited, with many luxury brands seeing increased foot traffic and sales. Integrated resorts, which combine gaming, hotels, and retail, are seeing particularly strong demand during the holiday period.

One of the major attractions for visitors to Macau is its casinos, and this year was no exception. The gaming industry has enjoyed a solid recovery, with many visitors flocking to integrated resorts for a full vacation experience.

Macau’s Recovery and Long-Term Tourism Outlook

Macau’s strong showing during the Lunar New Year holiday signals a promising tourism recovery that extends beyond the holiday period. Macau’s Government has been working to ensure the long-term growth of its tourism sector by promoting events and developing new cultural and entertainment offerings that will keep visitors coming throughout the year.

Despite the Lunar New Year holiday being over, visitor numbers are expected to remain strong as the city continues to recover from the pandemic’s effects on global tourism. The Macau tourism board is now focused on year-round engagement, with a growing focus on cultural tourism, eco-tourism, and new developments like the Macao International Airport upgrades to enhance tourist arrival infrastructure.

A Promising Future for Tourism in Macau

As the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday wraps up, Macau’s ability to attract large numbers of visitors shows that the city remains one of Asia’s most important tourist destinations. Whether it is for the bustling Spring Festival celebrations, the luxury shopping experience, or the world-famous gambling industry, Macau continues to attract international tourists.

The success of this year’s Lunar New Year holiday cements Macau’s status as a leading tourism destination, and with continued government support and an ongoing focus on tourism diversification, the future looks bright for the city. With the tourism industry continuing to recover at a steady pace, Macau is poised for another successful year ahead, welcoming even more visitors and continuing to be a major player in the global tourism market.