Macau is preparing for a significant increase in tourist arrivals during the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, with local industry leaders forecasting an average of 120,000 visitors per day across the two periods.
Andy Wu, president of the Macau Travel Industry Council, stated that the outlook for the holidays is positive, citing government-organized festivities and policies that facilitate travel to the region. The Mid-Autumn break is scheduled from September 25 to 27, while the National Day Golden Week runs from October 1 to 5, a period expected to be the busiest for the city’s hospitality sector.
Visitor Traffic Expected to Build Gradually
Wu noted that visitor arrivals during the Mid-Autumn break are likely to build gradually rather than peak immediately. He explained that many mainland residents are expected to spend the festival day with their families before traveling to Macau during the remaining two days of the break.
This pattern contrasts with long-haul travel trends, where reduced international flight capacity and higher airfares have discouraged some mainland travelers from taking distant trips. Consequently, short-haul destinations such as Macau and Hong Kong are positioned to benefit from stronger regional demand.
Policy measures are also contributing to the expected increase in arrivals. These include arrangements for tour-group travel between Macau and Hengqin, as well as an expanded once-a-week entry arrangement for residents of Zhuhai. The Macau government is also preparing fireworks displays and community events for the holiday period to support visitor engagement.
Hotel Occupancy and Pricing Trends
Cheung Kin Chung, president of the Macau Hotel Association, reported that average booking levels for the October Golden Week have already reached 60 to 70 percent. In the New Aberdeen, Porto, and East (NAPE) district, traditional hotels are approaching 80 percent occupancy.
Chung expects the citywide occupancy rate to exceed the 80 percent level recorded during last year’s Golden Week. He noted that many guests are booking stays of at least two nights, reflecting a trend toward longer visits.
Room rates for the holiday period are set to rise. Three- and four-star hotel rooms are priced between MOP1,000 and MOP2,000 ($124 to $248) per night. Large luxury resorts are charging MOP2,500 ($310) or more per night. Chung indicated that additional hotel supply and cost control efforts have helped limit sharp room-rate increases, though prices remain elevated compared to off-peak periods.
2026 Visitor Forecast and Strategic Recommendations
Looking beyond the immediate holiday period, Wu forecasted that Macau will receive 43 million visitors in 2026. The city recorded a monthly visitor high in August, although international arrivals edged lower in the latest data due to fewer flights and higher airfares.
Wu recommended that Macau expand air connectivity and enhance overseas promotion efforts. He also suggested developing multi-destination itineraries with Hengqin to encourage international visitors to extend their stays. Operators are responding to these trends by offering accommodation and tourism packages that combine dining, attractions, and events to capture the upcoming holiday demand.
Why It Matters
The forecasted 120,000 daily visitors signal a robust demand environment for Macau-based operators during the autumn peak. With hotel occupancy expected to exceed 80 percent and luxury room rates climbing to MOP2,500, revenue per available room is poised to rise. For stakeholders, the shift toward two-night minimum stays and combined tourism packages indicates a strategic move to maximize visitor spend beyond gaming floors, while policy-driven arrivals from Hengqin and Zhuhai provide a stable baseline for short-haul traffic.
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