Macau recorded a record 1.55 million visitor arrivals over nine days of the 2026 Chinese New Year holiday, surpassing government forecasts. The surge, averaging nearly 172,700 visitors daily, was facilitated by key entry points including the Border Gate, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, and Hengqin checkpoint. This marked a significant increase from the previous year's 1.31 million arrivals, highlighting the city's appeal during the festive period.
The Chinese New Year holiday from February 15 to 23, 2026, brought an unprecedented tourism boom to Macau. According to the Public Security Police Force, the city welcomed 1.55 million visitors, exceeding initial projections of 1.4 to 1.5 million. Daily arrivals averaged 172,699, with three consecutive days surpassing 200,000 entries. The peak occurred on February 19, with 227,943 visitors, setting an all-time daily record for the holiday.
Major entry points handled the influx efficiently. The Border Gate checkpoint, connecting to Zhuhai in mainland China, remained the busiest land crossing. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge supported multi-destination travel between Hong Kong and Macau, while the Hengqin checkpoint linked to the Cooperation Zone, aiding smoother flows. These gateways underscore Macau's integration within the Greater Bay Area, boosting cross-border tourism.
The surge reflects Macau's draw through cultural festivities, temple visits, seasonal events, retail promotions, and integrated resorts. Locations like Senado Square and the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre featured decorations and parades, including lion and dragon dances. Culinary offerings, such as almond pastries and pork chop buns, added to the experience, blending Portuguese and Cantonese influences.
Compared to 1.31 million visitors in 2026's holiday last year, this year's figures indicate strong recovery and pent-up demand. Tourism authorities promote diversified attractions beyond gaming, including gastronomy and family experiences. For future visits, travelers are advised to book accommodations early, plan border crossings for off-peak times, and use bridge connectivity for combined itineraries with Hong Kong and Zhuhai.
This performance signals sustained momentum for Macau's travel economy, supported by infrastructure improvements and coordinated promotions.
