Between 15 and 21 February, Macau recorded 1,212,934 visitor arrivals, averaging 173,000 per day, according to the Public Security Police Force. On 20 February alone, the city logged 214,000 inbound travellers, the third consecutive day above the 200,000 mark. (asgam.com)
The surge is being driven primarily by mainland tourists taking advantage of simplified e-channel clearance at Gongbei and Hengqin ports as well as enhanced bus frequencies on the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge. Hotel occupancy has crossed 95 percent, and average daily room rates are 18 percent higher than in 2025.
For travelers planning their own trip to Macau or connecting through mainland China, services such as VisaHQ can streamline the visa application process well before departure. The platform’s China section (https://www.visahq.com/china/) offers up-to-date requirements, online forms, and courier support, making it easier to secure the necessary documents and avoid last-minute surprises.
![Macau welcomes 1.2 million visitors in one week as Lunar New Year traffic sets new records]()
Integrated-resort operators report that premium-mass gaming volumes have returned to 2019 Chinese New Year levels, a key metric watched by investors. Retail landlords along the Cotai Strip say luxury boutiques experienced hour-long queues, underlining the importance of visitor footfall to Macau’s rebounding economy.
For mobility planners, the lesson is clear: border infrastructure connecting mainland China and its Special Administrative Regions is now able to process pandemic-era backlogs efficiently, but peak-season staffing remains tight. Corporates routing incentive groups or conferences through Macau during high season should lock in room blocks and transport slots months in advance.
Authorities have indicated that temporary e-gate booths will remain in place through Lantern Festival (24 February) to manage outbound flows, after which resources will be redeployed to Hengqin’s new checkpoint scheduled to open later this year.
The surge is being driven primarily by mainland tourists taking advantage of simplified e-channel clearance at Gongbei and Hengqin ports as well as enhanced bus frequencies on the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge. Hotel occupancy has crossed 95 percent, and average daily room rates are 18 percent higher than in 2025.
For travelers planning their own trip to Macau or connecting through mainland China, services such as VisaHQ can streamline the visa application process well before departure. The platform’s China section (https://www.visahq.com/china/) offers up-to-date requirements, online forms, and courier support, making it easier to secure the necessary documents and avoid last-minute surprises.
Integrated-resort operators report that premium-mass gaming volumes have returned to 2019 Chinese New Year levels, a key metric watched by investors. Retail landlords along the Cotai Strip say luxury boutiques experienced hour-long queues, underlining the importance of visitor footfall to Macau’s rebounding economy.
For mobility planners, the lesson is clear: border infrastructure connecting mainland China and its Special Administrative Regions is now able to process pandemic-era backlogs efficiently, but peak-season staffing remains tight. Corporates routing incentive groups or conferences through Macau during high season should lock in room blocks and transport slots months in advance.
Authorities have indicated that temporary e-gate booths will remain in place through Lantern Festival (24 February) to manage outbound flows, after which resources will be redeployed to Hengqin’s new checkpoint scheduled to open later this year.
