Macau’s Vision for Tourism Growth, More Visitors and Expanded Infrastructure

Published on September 30, 2025

Ranked among the most popular travel destinations in Asia, Macau is expected to maintain its positive growth. As per the new review on Macao Government Tourism Office’s (MGTO) most recent tourism industry development master plan, the city is expected to receive up to 46.43 million visitors by the end of the decade. This is a 33% increase compared to the 2024 expected figure of 34.93 million visitors. The city is in the safe position of expecting an increase in the number of visitors each year in comparison to the expected increase in the city’s infrastructure to help maintain a positive growth for the city while improving the travel experience for every visitor.

Projected Growth in Visitor Numbers and Hotel Capacity

The latest tourism review, conducted by Deloitte Advisory Services Ltd, highlights a sharp increase in the number of tourists expected to visit Macau over the next decade. By 2030, the number of visitors to Macau is estimated to rise to between 39.47 million and 46.43 million annually, up from the projected 38.95 million in 2025. This growth is expected to contribute to Macau’s rising status as a global tourism hub.

Alongside the surge in visitor numbers, the number of hotel rooms in the city is expected to increase significantly as well. In 2024, Macau had a total of 48,333 hotel rooms, but by 2025, the inventory will grow to more than 49,000 rooms. By 2030, the city is expected to have between 52,228 and 52,849 hotel rooms, marking an 8% to 9% increase in hotel capacity over the next five years. This expansion is crucial as the city prepares to host millions of additional visitors, ensuring that tourists will have access to a variety of accommodations across the city.

Shifts in the Demographics of Macau’s Visitors

One of the most notable trends projected in the tourism master plan is the shift in the demographics of Macau’s visitors. While the city has long been a major destination for tourists from mainland China, the plan outlines a strategy for broadening the visitor base by expanding the appeal of Macau to overseas markets.

As of 2024, approximately 72.8% of Macau’s visitors come from mainland China, with the rest coming from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other parts of the Greater China region. Although the Greater China region will continue to be a major source of visitors, the MGTO aims to diversify the visitor base to include more international tourists. The strategy focuses on targeting specific demographics, such as wedding parties, transit travelers, and Generation Z, which refers to individuals born between 1997 and 2012.

This diversification of the source market is essential for Macau’s long-term growth. By attracting more visitors from overseas, Macau hopes to reduce its reliance on the Greater China market and ensure a steady flow of international tourists, even during periods of economic or geopolitical uncertainty.

A Focus on Longer Stays and Higher Spending

Macau is not only focusing on increasing visitor numbers but is also aiming to increase the length of stay and overall spending by tourists. The average stay for overnight visitors in 2024 was 2.3 days, and this figure is expected to rise to 2.5 days by 2030. The goal is to encourage tourists to spend more time in Macau, thereby increasing their overall expenditure.

In terms of spending, the forecast for non-gaming spending by visitors is also set to rise. In 2025, Macau’s non-gaming tourism revenue is expected to reach MOP 85.47 billion (US$10.7 billion), up from MOP 75.36 billion in 2024. By 2030, the city aims to generate between MOP 94.37 billion and MOP 111 billion in non-gaming revenue. This increase will be driven by higher spending on food, shopping, entertainment, and other leisure activities.

A significant component of the strategy to boost spending involves the expansion and improvement of Macau’s tourism offerings. The master plan suggests that the city should focus on diversifying its tourism products, including the addition of themed amusement facilities, more sports and music events, and a broader range of low-cost accommodation options. These initiatives will cater to a wider range of tourists, from luxury travelers to budget-conscious visitors, ensuring that everyone can enjoy what Macau has to offer.

Diversification of Tourism Products: Key to Attracting More Tourists

To support the projected growth in visitor numbers and spending, the MGTO plans to enhance Macau’s tourism products. This includes diversifying the types of experiences available to tourists. Currently, Macau is widely known for its gaming industry, but the tourism office is working to establish the city as a more well-rounded destination. This could include expanding attractions such as themed amusement parks, sports events, music festivals, and cultural exhibitions.

Macau’s efforts to introduce more low-cost accommodation options will also play a crucial role in attracting new visitors, particularly those from overseas who may not typically associate the city with affordable stays. By offering a wider range of options at various price points, Macau aims to position itself as an attractive destination for all types of travelers.

Additionally, the government aims to capitalize on emerging trends in travel, including targeting younger audiences, particularly Generation Z. This demographic is known for its strong presence on social media and its desire for unique, immersive experiences. Macau plans to leverage this by promoting its new offerings through digital channels and online platforms, catering to the interests and preferences of a younger, tech-savvy audience.

Challenges and Opportunities for Macau’s Tourism Sector

While the projected growth in visitor numbers is promising, there are still challenges to overcome. One of the biggest concerns highlighted in the master plan is the city’s reliance on the Greater China region for a significant portion of its visitors. In the first eight months of 2025, nearly 94% of visitors to Macau came from Greater China, with 72.8% of those visitors coming from mainland China alone.

To address this challenge, the MGTO is committed to expanding its outreach beyond the region and diversifying its tourism offerings to attract a wider range of international visitors. By focusing on attracting tourists from different markets and providing diverse experiences, Macau can reduce its dependence on a single source of visitors and increase its global competitiveness.

A Bright Future for Macau’s Tourism Industry

Under Macao’s Tourism Master Plan, Macao is expected to receive up to 46.43 million tourists annually by 2030. This is largely due to the increased number of hotels, the efforts to improve new source markets, and the gradual enhancement of the overall tourist experience.

Macau encourages longer stays and higher expenditures and is diversification offerings to better services tourists from within and outside Greater China. The expected diversification of the tourism product offerings certainly puts Macao on the map, to receive international tourists.