Macao Tourism Board: Hopes to increase international visitors to 3 million this year, actively promoting diversified sources of tourists.

On May 12th, Cheng Weidong, Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government Tourist Office, stated that Macao is intensifying efforts to diversify its sources of tourists and increase promotional investments. Previously, the focus in the international market was mainly on Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia, but this year the promotion has also expanded to Europe. It is hoped that the number of international tourists visiting Macao this year can exceed 3 million, with an annual growth rate of 5% or more. Regarding the future trends of Macao's tourism industry, there has been an increase in international tourists compared to the same period last year, with growth trends in both the Greater China market and the international market. The Macao Tourism Office has expanded its promotion from Southeast Asia to Northeast Asia, and more recently, to the Middle East and Western Europe. Despite the conflict in the Middle East requiring observation, the Macao Tourism Office plans to develop sources of tourists from Central Asia and even India. Previously, the Macao Tourism Office introduced ticket discounts to attract more international tourists, even extending journeys from the airport. In the future, they also plan to attract international tourists from the Greater Bay Area, such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou, to visit Macao. Direct flights from Beijing and Shanghai to Macao are being utilized to promote international tourist visits. Regarding changes in mainland Chinese tourists' spending patterns, Cheng Weidong hopes that the industry will shift from focusing on shopping and sightseeing to providing more experiential activities, combining performances and sports events to promote tourist spending in Macao. Regarding the impact of conflicts in the Middle East on tourists, Cheng Weidong mentioned that there may be some impact to a certain extent. Many flights around the world may be canceled or reduced, so they are currently conducting relevant evaluations. The government attaches great importance to this matter, not only the tourism department, but also the civil aviation department and the cross-departmental mechanism responsible for regulating oil prices, will discuss the current oil price situation and closely monitor any developments.