Millions Of Tourists Flock to Macau During Christmas Golden Week, Setting New Record

Published on December 30, 2025

Macau has set a new annual record for tourist arrivals, welcoming over 1 million visitors during the week between the Macau Special Administrative Region’s establishment day and the Christmas holidays. This surge in tourism, coinciding with the “Golden Week” period, highlights the region’s growing appeal as a key travel destination in Asia. The influx of tourists during this period has provided a significant boost to Macau’s hospitality, entertainment, and retail sectors, further establishing the region as a global tourism hub.

The Christmas Golden Week has become an increasingly important time for tourism in Macau, contributing to the city’s thriving tourism industry. The influx of visitors, both from mainland China and overseas, showcases Macau’s continuing role as a vibrant destination for holidaymakers seeking entertainment, luxury, and cultural experiences.

The Golden Week Tourism Surge

The Golden Week, a popular holiday period in China that marks both the establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region and the Christmas season, has become a key time for tourism in the city. The week between December 20 and Christmas has now grown into one of the busiest travel periods for Macau, with tourism figures surpassing 1 million visitors. This new record demonstrates Macau’s enduring popularity, particularly among Chinese travelers.

During the Golden Week, visitors flock to Macau’s famous casinos, luxury resorts, entertainment venues, and shopping districts. The holiday season, combined with the festive atmosphere, makes it an ideal time for tourists looking to celebrate in a world-class destination. Macau’s unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese heritage, along with its reputation for top-tier entertainment and shopping, continues to attract a diverse range of travelers from around the world.

The significant increase in tourist arrivals during this period has been fueled by several factors, including the relaxation of travel restrictions and the region’s continuous efforts to market itself as an appealing holiday destination. Events, promotions, and cultural exhibitions held during Golden Week, along with the city’s festive decorations, further contribute to the increase in foot traffic.

A Boost for Macau’s Hospitality and Retail Sectors

The influx of over 1 million visitors during the Golden Week has provided a significant boost to Macau’s hospitality and retail industries. Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment establishments in the city experienced high occupancy rates and increased business during this peak travel period. Luxury hotels and resorts across the city, including those in Cotai and the historic city center, were fully booked, showcasing the continued demand for premium experiences in the region.

Retailers also saw an uptick in sales, with tourists flocking to Macau’s famous shopping districts, such as the Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro and the Cotai Strip, to purchase luxury goods, local products, and holiday gifts. Macau’s reputation as a shopping destination, combined with the shopping-centric Golden Week promotions, made it an attractive location for visitors seeking to enjoy both sightseeing and shopping in one trip.

For Macau’s entertainment sector, the Golden Week period provided a welcomed surge in visitors looking to experience world-class performances, concerts, and casino gaming. Macau is known for its impressive casinos, luxury resorts, and shows, which continue to draw international visitors. With more than 1 million tourists arriving during Golden Week, the region’s entertainment offerings saw record attendance, further solidifying Macau as a global destination for gaming and entertainment.

International and Regional Visitors

While Macau remains a top destination for mainland Chinese tourists, the Golden Week also saw an increase in international visitors, particularly from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. This growing international presence indicates that Macau is successfully attracting a broader audience beyond its traditional tourist base.

The city’s proximity to mainland China, its relatively easy access from Hong Kong, and its appeal as a short getaway destination have made it a preferred destination for regional travelers. Additionally, Macau’s position as a major transit hub for tourists visiting nearby regions such as Guangdong and Hong Kong continues to reinforce its importance as a key tourism gateway in the region.

Tourism Recovery and Future Prospects

The growth in tourism during the Christmas Golden Week highlights Macau’s ongoing recovery from the global pandemic and its return as a vibrant tourism destination. Following the challenging years when travel restrictions impacted the global tourism industry, Macau has been steadily increasing its visitor numbers, and the successful Golden Week demonstrates that the region is well on its way to regaining its status as one of Asia’s most visited cities.

Looking ahead, Macau’s tourism officials are focused on continuing to drive growth in the sector by enhancing the quality of visitor experiences and expanding offerings for different types of travelers. Efforts to improve infrastructure, increase air connectivity, and promote the region’s cultural heritage will continue to be essential as Macau strives to attract even more international tourists in the coming years.

The future of Macau’s tourism industry looks bright as the region strengthens its appeal to both returning tourists and new visitors, particularly from emerging markets. The focus on luxury tourism, entertainment, shopping, and cultural experiences will continue to attract a broad range of visitors, ensuring that the city remains a top destination in Asia.

Conclusion

Macau’s new record of 1 million visitors during the Christmas Golden Week underscores the city’s strong recovery and growing appeal as a global tourism hub. The surge in tourist arrivals has provided a welcome boost to the local economy, particularly in hospitality, retail, and entertainment. With its unique blend of culture, luxury, and entertainment, Macau continues to captivate tourists from around the world. As the city continues to develop and promote its tourism offerings, the future of Macau’s tourism sector remains promising, with sustained growth expected in the years ahead.