AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Events: Macau’s Sands Shopping Carnival wrapped up July 23–26 at The Venetian Macao, drawing nearly 160,000 visits and setting a new annual record, with 580+ booths, a bigger food court, and a new Sports Experience Zone. Community Leisure: MLM Beyblade Tournament is set for Aug 9 at Barra Station, with Open and Pairs categories plus parent-child friendly activities like a stamp rally and free battle zone. Travel Disruption Support: After an Osaka–Macao flight diversion to Nanning due to typhoon conditions, MGTO coordinated help for 166 passengers (including 93 Macau residents), including hotel arrangements. Health & Safety: Macao’s Macao Union Hospital carried out its first emergency heart procedure (PCI) to save a mainland tourist after cardiac arrest. Food Tourism: The Macao Catering Industry Association launched its first “Morro Style Chicken Rice” awards, with 189 businesses taking part and a reported 30% sales rise during the campaign. Policy for Visitors: A proposed registration system for on-site paid photography would apply to Macau residents only, aiming to curb unfair pricing and protect tourists.

Health Alert: Macau’s Health Department is continuing follow-up on infants after “Frisolac Prestige Stage 1 Infant Formula” (batch 1W07KPJ) was found with lead possibly above limits; a hotline (2125 1199) is running and cases are being referred for hospital follow-up. Weather & Travel Disruption: Typhoon Noul kept Macau under Typhoon Signal No. 3 for over 20 hours while Hong Kong raised to Signal No. 9; event and transport plans are being adjusted, and travellers are urged to check updates. Tourism & Community: PSP stepped up enforcement in Taipa Old Village, uncovering an apartment used for illegal accommodation (eight people found renting bed spaces). Transport & Cross-border: HKIA launched “Park & Visit” for eligible Greater Bay Area visitors to drive via the HZMB, park at the Hong Kong Port, clear immigration, then continue by public transport. Shopping & Leisure: MINISO opened Macau’s first MINISO LAND at Shoppes at Venetian, bringing an IP-focused, one-stop shopping and entertainment space. Education & Future Travel: UTM and the University of Queensland launched a Dual Bachelor’s Degree Programme, with the inaugural cohort heading to Australia. Local Events: Macao Light Rapid Transit will host a Beyblade tournament on Aug 9 with activities along the Taipa Line.

Storm & Travel Disruption: Typhoon Noul kept Macau on Signal No. 3 for over 20 hours while Hong Kong raised to Signal No. 9, with organizers and travellers urged to monitor updates. Tourism Support: MGTO coordinated help for Macau passengers stranded in Nanning after an Osaka–Macau flight diversion, including liaison with aviation and border authorities and hotel arrangements. Local Events: The Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals Macao 2026 continues at the East Asian Games Dome with weather-based contingency plans as Signal No. 3 remains in force. Public Safety & Rules: PSP uncovered illegal accommodation in Taipa (bed spaces rented at about HKD100–150 per day) and proposed new registration rules for on-site paid photography services to curb overcharging and protect visitors. Transport & Cross-border Ease: HKIA launched “Park & Visit” for eligible Greater Bay Area visitors to drive via the HZMB, park at Hong Kong Port, then continue by shuttle and public transport. Education & Skills: UTM and The University of Queensland launched a Dual Bachelor’s Degree Programme, with the first cohort heading overseas. Hengqin Development: Hengqin earmarked nearly 460,000 sq m for a Macau-recognised international public university project. New Luxury Rebrand: The 13 Palace is reopening with a more accessible, heritage-and-hospitality-led approach after a soft opening. Business Cost Watch: Lawmakers urged fuel pricing reforms after Macau’s short-term fuel subsidy ended. Summer Fun on Rails: MLM will host a Beyblade tournament on Aug 9 across Barra Station and Taipa Line checkpoints.

Wynn Palace Expansion Cleared: Macau has approved revisions to Wynn Palace’s land concession, paving the way for Wynn Macau to add a 432-suite hotel tower (“The Enclave at Wynn Palace”), plus a theatre and events centre, with no new gaming space and a one-off land premium of MOP652.3 million. Women’s Volleyball Nations League in Macao: Finals are underway at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, with organisers monitoring Typhoon Noul (signal No.3 in effect); the 26 July finals are confirmed for now, but schedules could shift if conditions worsen. Typhoon Noul Disruptions Across the Region: Southern China braces for Noul; Hong Kong bridge operations were suspended over the weekend and Cathay Pacific cancelled flights from 1:15am–6pm Sunday, with rail and airport services also at risk. Health Alert for Families: The Health Bureau urged residents to stop using a specific batch of Frisolac Prestige Stage 1 infant formula (batch 1W07KPJ) after lead was found above permissible limits. Mosquito Control Boost: SSM is trialling 30 smart mosquito traps as dengue and chikungunya risks rise during peak summer travel, with targeted activity hotspots flagged across Coloane, Taipa and the peninsula. Sands Shopping Carnival Returns: The 2026 Sands Shopping Carnival kicked off at Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo with free admission through 26 July, adding a new Sports Experience zone and expanding Cultural & Creative offerings. Local Safety & Travel Practicalities: Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash in Airport District and asked for witnesses; heat-health guidance also reminded people to hydrate and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during very hot weather.

Typhoon Noul & travel disruption: Southern China braces for Typhoon Noul, with Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge suspended and Cathay Pacific cancelling flights from Hong Kong on Sunday; Macau’s Women’s Volleyball Nations League finals at the East Asian Games Dome are set to run on 26 July unless stronger signals arrive, with ticket holders urged to check updates. Macau tourism & events: Sands Shopping Carnival returns to Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo with free entry through 26 July, adding a new Sports Experience zone plus an expanded Cultural and Creative area. Wynn Palace expansion approved: Macau green-lights Wynn Palace revisions, paving the way for a new hotel tower, theatre and events centre under Wynn’s non-gaming commitments. Health & summer safety: Macau’s Health Bureau ramps up mosquito control as dengue and chikungunya risks rise, trialling smart mosquito traps; the public is also reminded to take heat precautions during extreme weather. Food safety alert: Macau’s Centre for Food Safety urges residents not to consume a specific batch of Frisolac Prestige Stage 1 infant formula due to lead levels possibly exceeding limits. Cross-border shopping & tech: E-payment momentum keeps growing in Macau, while a duty-free arrivals concession at Qingmao Port (Zhuhai–Macau corridor) is set to boost shopping convenience for travellers.

Typhoon Noul Disruptions: Southern China is bracing for Typhoon Noul, with Hong Kong–area transport hit and Cathay Pacific cancelling flights from 1:15am–6pm Sunday; the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge also suspended operations Saturday and Sunday, while rail and airport services across the region may be affected. Macao Travel Safety: The Health Bureau urged heat precautions during very hot weather and is stepping up mosquito control as dengue and chikungunya risks rise in peak summer travel season, including trials of 30 smart mosquito traps. Cashless Convenience: A Macau Business special report highlights how e-payments have surged, with mobile payment transactions and values climbing sharply and cashless spending now dominating retail and dining. Tourism & Shopping Buzz: The 2026 Sands Shopping Carnival is back at Venetian Macao with free entry, 580+ booths, and a new Sports Experience zone. Resort Expansion: Macau approved Wynn Palace’s expansion, clearing the way for a new hotel tower, theatre and events centre. Gaming Crackdown: Macao casinos and authorities are intensifying action against proxy betting linked to livestream baccarat.

Wynn Palace Expansion Cleared: Macau approved Wynn Palace’s revised land concession, paving the way for a new 432-suite hotel tower plus a theatre and events centre, with works due within five years—another push to diversify tourism beyond gaming. Summer Visitor Safety: The Health Bureau is stepping up mosquito control as dengue and chikungunya risks rise, including trials of 30 intelligent mosquito traps, while the public is also reminded to take heat precautions during extreme weather. Shopping & Family Fun: Sands Shopping Carnival returns to Venetian Macao with free entry through July 26, adding a new Sports Experience zone and expanding its Cultural and Creative area across 580+ booths. Travel Corridor Retail Boost: Zhuhai Duty Free Group won an arrivals duty-free concession at Qingmao Port, adding a 129 sq m store to complement its departures outlet. On-the-ground Tourism Culture: WorldSkills “Hotel Reception” Hengqin Invitational wrapped up in Macau, while the International Youth Dance Festival continues to draw performers and audiences to Macao venues. Gaming Crackdown: Macau casinos and regulators discussed tougher action against proxy betting as police arrests linked to remote livestreaming continue.

Border Retail Boost: Zhuhai Duty Free Group won the arrivals duty-free concession at Qingmao Port, adding a 129 sq m store right by the passenger flow to complement its departures outlet and strengthen the Zhuhai–Macao corridor. Summer Health Watch: Macau’s Health Bureau is stepping up mosquito control as dengue and chikungunya risks rise, including trials of 30 smart mosquito traps at hospitals and health stations. Shopping & Tourism Buzz: The 2026 Sands Shopping Carnival is underway at Venetian Macao (free entry through July 26), with 580+ booths, a new Sports Experience zone, and an expanded Cultural & Creative area. Casino Expansion: Macau approved Wynn Palace’s expansion, clearing the way for a new 432-suite hotel tower plus a theatre and events centre, with a one-off land premium of MOP652.3 million. Public Rules Update: Macau will roll out its first official outdoor no-smoking zones at key public spots, following a pilot, with smoking banned within 10 metres of entrances/exits of major facilities. Sports Spotlight: Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals Macao 2026 continues at the East Asian Games Dome, with China set to face Türkiye in the semifinals.

Macau Tourism & Events: The 2026 Sands Shopping Carnival is now on for four days, with free entry, 580+ booths, eight themed zones, and daily MOP 1 items plus discounts up to 90%—a big boost for family-friendly shopping in Cotai. Sports Tourism: The Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals Macao 2026 is underway at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, with quarterfinals and a full week of matches plus a volleyball-themed carnival and cultural activities. Health & Safety: The Health Bureau is stepping up mosquito control as dengue and chikungunya risks rise in summer, including more inspections at breeding hotspots and joint clean-up efforts with other agencies. Smoking Rules: Macau lawmakers have passed tougher anti-smoking amendments, adding more outdoor no-smoking zones, banning e-cigarettes in public spaces, and setting body-cam powers for inspectors from 1 Jan next year. Resort Development: Macau has green-lit Wynn Palace’s expansion, approving a new 432-suite hotel tower plus a theatre and events centre as part of non-gaming investment commitments. Cross-border Travel: Macau’s pension transfers to Guangdong are now operational via a one-stop direct channel in Hengqin, reducing the need for residents to travel back for collections.

Outdoor Rules: Macau’s anti-smoking law gets final AL approval, adding first official outdoor no-smoking zones at Dr. Carlos d’Assumpção Park, Border Gate Square and the Ruins of St. Paul’s precinct, with smoking banned within 10m of key public facility entrances and e-cigarettes barred in all public spaces from 1 Jan 2027. VIP Tourism & Hotels: Government green-lights Wynn Palace’s expansion in Cotai, including a new 432-suite luxury hotel tower plus a theatre and entertainment centre, with work set to start later this year and target completion in 2028. Cross-border Convenience: Hengqin’s upgraded scheme completes the first transfer of Macau’s central provident fund to Guangdong bank accounts, creating a one-stop, free registration channel for eligible social security and livelihood funds. Public Health for Visitors: Health officials launch mosquito control around Wynn Macau after a dengue case linked to a recent stay, focusing on a 100m perimeter with inspections and standing-water eradication. Sports Tourism: Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals Macao 2026 begins at the East Asian Games Dome, with quarterfinals on 23 July (Türkiye v Canada, then China v USA). Neighbourhood Travel: MGTO and Flyday HK roll out “MACAO, GET, SET, GLOW 2026,” promoting eight running routes across gastronomy, heritage, community and scenery.

Wynn Palace Expansion: Macao has officially approved Wynn’s Cotai expansion, including a new 432-suite luxury hotel tower plus a theatre and entertainment centre, with work slated to start later this year and target completion in 2028. Anti-Smoking Push: The Legislative Assembly passed tougher tobacco rules, paving the way for Macao’s first official outdoor no-smoking zones at Dr. Carlos d’Assumpção Park, Border Gate Square and the Ruins of St. Paul’s precinct, with bans also extending to more public areas and e-cigarettes. Public Health for Visitors: Health authorities and IAM stepped up mosquito and rodent prevention efforts, including targeted vector control after a dengue case linked to a Wynn Macau stay. Pension Transfers: Macao’s upgraded pension transfer scheme to Guangdong is now live, letting eligible residents register once and receive funds directly into Guangdong bank accounts. Sports Tourism: The Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals Macao 2026 kicked off at the East Asian Games Dome, with quarterfinals continuing on 23 July and Galaxy Entertainment Group backing the event. Local Travel Lifestyle: MGTO and Flyday HK launched “Macao, Get, Set, Glow 2026,” promoting neighbourhood running routes across heritage, gastronomy, community and scenery. Gaming Scrutiny: Lawmaker Pereira Coutinho criticized authorities’ response to casino crimes, while Citi said gaming revenue is rebounding as World Cup distractions fade.

Wynn Palace Expansion: Macau’s government has approved Wynn to proceed with a new luxury hotel at Wynn Palace, with a MOP652 million premium and plans for a 432-room all-suite tower plus added entertainment and event facilities. Public Health: After a dengue case linked to a visitor at Wynn Macau, the Health Bureau and resort partners launched targeted mosquito control around the property, while IAM and the Health Bureau also held a mosquito-and-rodent prevention talk for Vietnamese residents to boost community hygiene. Tourism & Neighbourhood Travel: MGTO teamed up with Flyday HK on “Macao, Get, Set, Glow 2026,” promoting eight running routes across gastronomy, heritage, community and scenery, with online voting and offline challenges. Sports Tourism: The Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals Macao 2026 begins today at the East Asian Games Dome, with a week of elite matches plus a volleyball-themed carnival and cultural activities. Law & Lifestyle: Legislators passed tougher anti-smoking rules, expanding outdoor bans, banning e-cigarettes in public spaces, and introducing body-worn cameras for inspectors from 1 January. Visitor Numbers: Macau logged 20.94 million visitors in H1, up 9%, with international arrivals rising more slowly. Cyber Safety: PJ plans upgrades to its cybersecurity systems this year as deepfake scams and cross-border fraud risks keep evolving.

Anti-smoking crackdown: Macau’s Legislative Assembly has passed amendments to the Tobacco Prevention and Control Law, expanding smoking bans to more outdoor public areas, banning e-cigarettes in all public spaces, and allowing anti-smoking inspectors to use body-worn cameras; the updated law takes effect on 1 January. Volleyball tourism boost: The Women’s Volleyball Nations League – Finals Macao 2026 presented by Galaxy Entertainment Group starts today at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, with a week of elite teams and a volleyball-themed carnival plus cultural activities running alongside the matches. Culture & heritage on show: Rui Cunha Foundation gallery opens “Wondersome and Peculiar Voyages: The Travelling Dolls,” a new 11-day exhibition blending textiles and written works exploring cultural exchange and identity. Tech travel trend: Global visitors are increasingly choosing Shenzhen for tech tours, swapping classic sightseeing for AI, service robots, autonomous driving and consumer tech experiences. Visitor numbers: Macau logged 20.94 million visitors in the first half of 2026, up 9% year-on-year, with international arrivals growing more slowly. Immigration update: Macau has published updated clearance guidelines, including a visa-free list covering 88 countries, with nine African nations included. Cyber safety upgrade: Judiciary Police says it will upgrade its cybersecurity situational awareness system this year and review key cyber rules as deepfake scams and cross-border fraud risks rise.

Visa & Entry Updates: Macao’s Public Security Police Force published updated clearance guidelines, listing 88 visa-free countries; nine are African nations (Cape Verde, Egypt, Morocco, Mali, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania), with stay lengths varying by passport. Tourism Numbers: Macao logged 20.94 million visitor arrivals in H1 2026, up 9% year-on-year; mainland visitors drove most growth, while foreign arrivals rose 6%. Road & Getting Around: Drivers report bumpy rides on Friendship Bridge after resurfacing of approach sections; officials cite design and drainage/material factors as the likely cause, with works expected to finish by mid-August. Gaming Pulse: Citi estimates Macau’s daily GGR rebounded about 9% after the World Cup faded, with VIP activity stable and mass-market largely unchanged. Culture & Events: International Youth Dance Festival 2026 kicked off with a parade at the Ruins of St Paul’s featuring 800+ dancers; festival runs through July 23. Food & Hospitality: Wynn Macau’s Drunken Fish debuted on 50 Best Discovery, adding another global spotlight on Macao’s dining scene. Safety & Tech: Judiciary Police to upgrade its cybersecurity situational awareness system this year, targeting deeper fraud risks like deepfake scams. Youth Skills: Macau will send 24 young competitors to Shanghai for WorldSkills Competition in September after a multi-stage selection and training program.

Food & Nightlife: Wynn Macau’s immersive seafood hit Drunken Fish has been added to 50 Best Discovery, putting Macao’s culinary scene back in the global spotlight. Arts & Culture: Local painter Julia Lam Tsz Kwan brings “Hua of Casa” to the Mandarin Oriental, Macau in Nape for six months, with works inspired by Macau’s mix of heritage and progress. Accessibility & Community: A profile highlights Cyril Axelrod, a Macau-based deafblind advocate who has kept “conquering the darkness” through learning, volunteering, and art. Tourism Numbers: Macao recorded 20.94 million visitor arrivals in the first half of 2026, up 9% year-on-year, with international arrivals rising 6%. Digital Safety: The Judicial Police (PJ) plans a cybersecurity upgrade this year, targeting new scam risks and strengthening incident response. Events in Macau: The International Youth Dance Festival 2026 kicked off with a parade at the Ruins of St Paul’s, drawing 800+ dancers and running through July 23. Entertainment: MAMAMOO expanded its Macau stop to two consecutive Londoner Arena dates after rapid sell-outs.

Macao Visitor Boom: Macao logged 20.94 million visitor arrivals in H1 2026, up 9% year-on-year, with same-day visitors rising 15.3% and overnight stays averaging 2.3 days. Youth Culture in the Spotlight: The International Youth Dance Festival 2026 opened with a parade of 33 dance groups and 800+ young dancers at the Ruins of St Paul’s, running through July 23 with performances in Macau and Hengqin. Big-Name Entertainment: K-pop powerhouse MAMAMOO added a second Macau date after instant sell-outs, with the “4WARD” world tour set for Londoner Arena on July 18–19. Tourism Partnerships: The Macao Government Tourism Office teamed up with Flyday HK for “MACAO, GET, SET, GLOW 2026,” aiming to boost travel and visitor engagement. Responsible Gaming Push: Galaxy Entertainment Group rolled out a World Cup-themed responsible gaming campaign, bringing interactive activities and counseling to staff and extending outreach to the community. Cross-border Business: IPIM is sending a 29-member entrepreneur delegation to Mozambique for a China–Portuguese-speaking countries business meeting, with on-site visits including tourism and trade projects.