Macau’s About to Get Hit with a Tourism Frenzy. Is the City Ready for the National Day Golden Week Madness

Published on September 29, 2025

Macau is preparing for a substantial increase in tourism during the National Day Golden Week, which spans from October 1st to October 8th. The city anticipates receiving around 150,000 visitors daily, leading to a projected total of approximately 1.2 million tourists during this eight-day period. This rise in visitor numbers is expected to significantly contribute to Macau’s 2025 tourism forecast, which is set at a remarkable 39 million arrivals. This surge is attributed to several factors, including the overlap of key public holidays and the recent visa policy reforms. The Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is focused on spreading visitors across the city’s districts, encouraging exploration beyond the traditional hotspots. This growth in tourism, particularly as Macau recovers from the pandemic, presents an important opportunity for both the local economy and the global travel sector.

Projected Growth During National Day Golden Week

The National Day Golden Week of 2023 is expected to bring a dramatic rise in tourism numbers for Macau. Anticipations are high, with a forecasted 150,000 visitors per day, which would result in a total of around 1.2 million visitors over the entire eight-day period. This represents a 7% increase compared to the previous year’s daily average of 141,000 visitors. The primary drivers of this growth include the overlap of National Day with the Mid-Autumn Festival on October 6th, as well as changes in visa policies, which are expected to make it easier for tourists from Zhuhai and Hengqin to visit Macau. This combination of factors is expected to significantly boost the tourism sector and generate more business activity throughout the city during the holiday period.

Visa Policy Reforms to Improve Accessibility

Starting in 2025, residents of Zhuhai will be allowed to apply for Macau visas as frequently as once a week, marking a significant change from the previous two-month waiting period. This change is expected to stimulate more tourism from Zhuhai, benefiting Macau’s tourism sector. Additionally, residents of Hengqin will now be eligible for multiple-entry visas, enabling them to visit Macau more frequently. These policy reforms are likely to lead to a steady increase in the number of visitors from nearby regions, further supporting the local tourism market and economic recovery. With Macau focusing on recovery from the pandemic, these visa changes are expected to play a pivotal role in boosting the local economy and expanding the city’s reach to more international tourists.

Booming Hotel Industry Reflects Increased Tourism

As the number of visitors to Macau continues to rise, the hotel industry has seen a marked growth. Hotel occupancy rates have been consistently high, often exceeding 90%, particularly during peak periods. This trend is directly aligned with the anticipated rise in tourism during the National Day Golden Week. Local officials are optimistic that the hotel sector will continue to perform strongly, with continued demand expected to sustain the industry’s growth. The rise in accommodation demand is a reflection of Macau’s overall tourism recovery. Given the growing number of visitors, the hotel industry stands to benefit significantly, which will also contribute to Macau’s long-term tourism growth. The local hospitality sector will continue to thrive, offering more diverse experiences for visitors, and solidifying the city’s position as a key tourism destination in the region.

Encouraging Exploration Beyond the Traditional Tourist Spots

A key initiative of the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is to promote the exploration of areas beyond the well-known tourist spots. With the goal of spreading the influx of visitors more evenly across Macau, the MGTO is focusing on directing tourists to local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and lesser-known districts. This strategy is designed to reduce congestion in popular tourist areas while simultaneously fostering economic growth in underexplored parts of the city. To support this initiative, the MGTO is planning to implement incentive programs that encourage tourists to discover hidden gems across Macau. By shifting the tourist load away from major attractions and towards local businesses, the government hopes to create a more authentic tourism experience. This initiative not only benefits the visitors but also contributes to the sustainability of Macau’s tourism industry by supporting small businesses and encouraging local engagement.

Concert Economy: A New Driver for Tourism

In addition to traditional tourism offerings, Macau has turned its focus toward the growing concert economy to attract more visitors. With a rising number of international and regional concerts, the city has seen an increasing number of visitors attending these events. As part of its strategy to further boost tourism, the Macau Government Tourism Office has collaborated with the Macau Economic and Technological Development Bureau to offer promotions for concert-goers. For instance, concert attendees will receive free access to the Macau Grand Prix Museum in the NAPE district. This initiative aims to entice visitors to explore areas outside the regular tourist zones, such as NAPE, which is currently undergoing a process of revitalization. These promotions are also seen as an important means of supporting local economies, particularly in areas affected by the upcoming closure of satellite casinos. This is expected to inject new life into local economies, broaden the range of tourist experiences, and help distribute the economic benefits of tourism more widely across Macau.

Global Impact: The Broad Implications for the Travel Industry

The expected growth in visitors to Macau has far-reaching implications for the global travel industry. This surge is seen as a clear indicator of the ongoing recovery of tourism, not just in Macau but across Greater China and other parts of the world following the pandemic. With Macau’s relaxed visa policies and its focus on attracting both regional and international tourists, the city is positioning itself as a model for other tourism destinations looking to revitalize their sectors. Macau’s focus on supporting local businesses, promoting experiential tourism, and ensuring sustainability could influence global tourism trends, encouraging other destinations to follow suit. The shift from traditional mass tourism to more inclusive and experiential tourism allows Macau to remain competitive while preserving local cultures and offering tourists a richer experience.

Sustainability at the Core of Macau’s Tourism Strategy

The emphasis on sustainable tourism in Macau reflects a broader global trend that many tourism destinations are adopting. Macau has moved away from the traditional mass tourism model and is embracing a more inclusive and diverse approach. This transformation is characterized by a shift toward experiential tourism, where travelers engage directly with local cultures and the environment. Macau’s strategy also encourages visitors to explore smaller districts and local businesses, fostering economic growth in these areas while preserving the authenticity of the city’s heritage. By promoting this type of tourism, Macau sets an example for other destinations that wish to move away from over-tourism and embrace more sustainable and responsible approaches. Sustainable tourism not only helps maintain the cultural integrity of destinations but also ensures long-term economic stability and satisfaction for both tourists and local communities.

A Transformative Moment for Macau’s Tourism Industry

As Macau prepares for a surge in visitors during the National Day Golden Week, the city’s tourism outlook for 2025 is extremely positive. With projections suggesting that Macau will welcome 39 million visitors by the end of 2025, the rise in visitor numbers can be attributed to a combination of factors: the overlap of major holidays, visa reforms, and a concerted effort to support local businesses. Macau’s focus on diversifying its tourism offerings, promoting experiential tourism, and creating more inclusive travel opportunities is shaping the city into a leader in the evolving tourism industry. By focusing on sustainability and authentic experiences, Macau is creating a balanced tourism model that helps preserve local culture and fosters long-term growth for the tourism sector. These initiatives serve as a model for other destinations to follow, ensuring that future travelers enjoy richer, more fulfilling experiences while supporting local economies across the globe.