Macao has a population of less then 470,000, yet this small city plays host to more than 10 million visitors each year. Since tourism is the backbone of Macao’s economy, the government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) clearly regard the gaming and tourist industries as the “head” and the service industry as the “body”, with other industries developing in parallel.
In the first three quarters of 2005, 13.77 million tourist arrivals were recorded in Macao, 13% more than the same period in the previous year. The majority of tourists in 2005 arrived from Mainland China (7.64 million), followed by Hong Kong (4.18 million) and Taiwan (1.14 million). As of 30 September 2005, there were 10,679 hotel rooms, with an average occupancy rate of 68.47% in the first nine months.
Each visitor stayed for 1 nights in Macao on average and spent MOP1,419 (USD177.38) in the third quarter of 2005, decreased by 5% compared with the same period in 2004. Per-capita spending of visitors from Mainland China topped the list, at MOP 2,863 (USD357.88).
In 2004, 16.67 million tourist arrivals were recorded in Macao, an increase of 40.3% compared with the 11.89 million recorded the same period in 2003.
Rich Tourism Resources
Macao enjoys rich tourism resources with its centuries-old tradition as a meeting point of cultures and the unique existence of gaming entertainment.
Macao has been dubbed the ‘Monte Carlo of the Orient’ since gaming has long been an important part of the tourism industry. Tourists are the main customers for the many casinos located in peninsula Macao and the two islands.
The MSAR liberalised the gaming industry in 2001 and granted concessions to three gaming operators experienced in different modes of gaming and entertainment operations, thus diversifying the industry, making it a truly delightful part of Macao’s tourism experience.
A Variety of Attractions
Other than historical architectures, Macao also offers a variety of sightseeing experience such as the Macao Museum which focuses on the history of the city, and other theme museums such as the Grand Prix Museum, the Wine Museum and the Maritime Museum. The Macao Cultural Museum and the Macao Cultural Centre bring a variety of exhibitions and performances to residents and tourists.
Other tourist attractions include the Statue of the Goddess A-Ma located on the highest point on Coloane Island, the Statue of the Goddess Kun Iam out of the Outer Harbour and the Cyber Fountain on Nam Van Lake.
Mixed-Culture Charm
Despite being a small city, Macao has been one of the most important hubs for Eastern and Western cultures for the last four centuries, making the Macao of today a unique heritage of cultural merge, reflected in its architectures, religious rituals, customs and cuisines.
Macao’s famous historical architectures -- landmarks such as the Ruins of St. Paul Church, Fortress Hill and A-Ma Temple, and other centuries-old churches and temples -- have charmed visitors from all over the world.
Not only are these architectural heritages treasures of Macao, but they are proof of a cultural merge that have made the world what it is today. With the support of the Central Government in the process of application, the Historical Centre of Macao was in July 2005, The 29th Session of the World Heritage Committee has agreed to inscribe “The Historic Centre of Macao”, on UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage List.
“The Historic Centre of Macao” incoporated a total of 25 hisorical monuments and sites such as the A-Ma Temple and the Ruins of St. Paul Church, many old buildings and squares.
Mainland Individual Tourists
Since the return of sovereignty to China, Mainlanders have heard more about Macao and want to come and see it for themselves. In early 2002, the Mainland authorities relaxed restrictions on residents visiting Hong Kong and Macao in tour groups.
From 28 July 2003, residents of certain Mainland provinces and cities have also been allowed to visit the two cities as individual travellers, under the Individual Visit Scheme. At the end of 2003 these include residents from Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Foshan, Dongguan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Huizhou in Guangdong Province, as well as Shanghai and Beijing. The scheme is expected to be expanded to include more cities and provinces. As a result, Macao is looking forward to receiving an increasing numbers of visitors from the Mainland.
Cuisines and Events
Macao’s unique mix of cultures and customs is definitely reflected in the form of culinary fusion. Macaenese food, which is a fusion of Portuguese, African, Southeast Asian and Chinese cooking, has begun to gain international recognition, after having been enjoyed by locals for decades.
Throughout the year, Macao stages various international events such as the Macao International Music Festival, Macao Arts Festival, Macau Grand Prix and the International Fireworks Festival.
Macau Grand Prix is held every year and attracts more than 70,000 visitors: satellite television brings the exciting races with ing international drivers pounding the famous Guia Circuit, to 220 million viewers around the world.
Other sports events include the "Macau Golf Open" which is held every two years, the annual Dragon Boat Races in June, the Macau International Women's Volleyball competition in August and the Macau International Marathon in November.
The 4th East Asian Game in Macao, scheduled for 2005, is expected to further enhance the image of Macao internationally.
Events not to to be missed
January ~ March:New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year Holidays, Feast of the God Tou Tei, Procession of the Passion of Our Lord (the God Jesus), Macau Arts Festival, Easter Holidays.
April ~ June:Feast of Pak Tai, 54th PATA Annual conference, Macau Open (Golf Tournament), A-Ma Festival, Procession of Our Lady of Fátima, International Museum Day, Feast of Buddha (Feast of the Bathing of Lord Buddha, Feast of the Drunken Dragon, Tam Kong Festival), the Macau Lotus Flower Festival, FIM-UAM Asian Motocross Championships, Macau International Dragon Boat Races, Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng Festival), Feast of Kuan Tai.
July ~ September:Women’s Volleyball World Grand Prix, Feast of Maidens, ITU Macau International Triathlon Championship, the 16th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest, World Tourism Day, Mid-Autumn Festival.
October ~ December:National Day, Macau International Music Festival, Macau Fringe, Macau International Trade & Investment Fair, Festival of Ancestors (Chung Yeung Festival), 4th East Asian Games (Macau 2005), All Souls’ Day, Asian Karting Open Championships, Macau Grand Prix, Macau International Marathon, Half Marathon & Mini Marathon, Feast of Immaculate Conception, Macau Special Administrative Region Establishment Day, Christmas Holidays.
