AGP Executive Report

Macau Tourism Surge: Macau hit 30 million visitor arrivals for the year by Friday 11am, up 8% year-on-year and 22 days ahead of last year, with mainland China still the biggest share (74.4%). Visa & Travel Rules Watch: Thailand’s visa-free stay drops from 60 to 30 days for 60 nationalities starting Sept 15, but a one-time 30-day extension is available via immigration; South Korea also published a full list of 116 countries eligible for K-ETA instead of a visa. Smart Payments for Visitors: MPay in Macao is rolling out AI-agent payments via Ant’s Agentic Mobile Protocol, letting users authorize eligible AI agents with spending limits and the ability to review or revoke. Culture & Heritage in Focus: Cleaning and partial repair of “Lotus Flower in Full Bloom” at Praça Flor de Lótus runs Sept 15–21 with temporary enclosure; Macau targets a first phase opening of the Macau National Museum of Culture in 2029. Events & Leisure: The Parisian Macao marks its 10th anniversary this weekend, while WTT Champions Macao 2026 continues at the East Asian Games Dome. Getting Around: Integrated fare vending and validation gates launched at HZMB Zhuhai Port for Hong Kong–Zhuhai return ticket passengers, adding WeChat Pay and Alipay QR options. Tech for Tourism: Klook’s cofounder says AI can ease overtourism by helping travelers spread out to lesser-known spots.

Macau National Museum of Culture: The Cultural Affairs Bureau says the first phase of the waterfront museum east of Macau Tower is set for an architectural concept selection this year, with Phase 1 targeted to open to the public by end-2029, as the city pushes “Tourism +” and cultural diversification. Taipa Heritage Watch: A proposed 11.2-metre building next to Sam Po Temple is under scrutiny for possible impact on the heritage buffer zone and the look of Taipa’s old town, with planners debating height and street changes. Tourism Spotlight: The Parisian Macao marks its 10th anniversary this Sunday, touting 100 million visitors since 2016 and highlighting its non-gaming mix of hotel, MICE, retail and shows. Transport Convenience at HZMB: Integrated fare vending and validation gates have launched at HZMB Zhuhai Port for Hong Kong–Zhuhai return ticket holders, adding WeChat Pay and Alipay QR options to speed bus boarding. Student Health & Wellbeing: The Health Bureau’s Student Health Programme covered 97 school sections in 2025/26, screening 49,078 students, while education authorities confirm a psychological monitoring programme with health officials. Food & Fun for Visitors: Macau’s WTT Champions Macao 2026 continues at the East Asian Games Dome, with matches driving a sports-and-entertainment draw for tourists. Global Travel Alerts: The U.S. has expanded its China travel warning, flagging risks around detention, exit bans and surveillance—relevant for Macau-bound travellers with China plans.

Macau Tourism Diversification: Wynn backs MGTO’s push into Southeast Asia, joining promotions in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia with travel offers worth over MOP2 million to attract hotel guests beyond mainland and Hong Kong. Food & Events: The 26th Macau Food Festival is set for Nov 20–Dec 6 near Sai Van Lake Square, with about 150 local eateries and booth applications running until Sept 24. Gaming & Hospitality Pulse: Early September gaming revenue softened after August’s summer run; UBS/Citi peg daily GGR around MOP633m (Sept 1–6), while hotel rates look weaker for Golden Week. Culture for Visitors: A free exhibition, “Light & Sword: Photographic Works of General Ye Ting,” opens at Tap Seac Gallery today and runs to Oct 31, spotlighting Ye Ting’s life and Macau links. Local Travel Safety: Macau police arrested a man for secretly recording women on buses, with over 1,000 suspected illicit videos found on his phone. Transport Convenience: Uber reports its Macau Meter Taxi trips have surged more than fivefold since launch, with demand spiking during major events. Regional Travel Context: China saw 499 million cross-border trips in Jan–Aug, and visa-free entries rose 26.8%—a backdrop for Macau’s broader visitor strategy.

Macau Tourism Diversification: Wynn backs MGTO/IPIM’s push into Southeast Asia, joining promotions in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia with travel offers worth over MOP2 million to attract hotel guests beyond the usual China/HK draw. Gaming & Hospitality Pulse: Early September gaming revenue softened after August’s summer peak, with GGR averaging about MOP633m/day (UBS/Citi), while hotel rates also eased—watching for event-driven support later in the month. Transport & Visitor Mobility: Uber’s Macau “WeChat Mini Program” goes live to make rides easier for mainland visitors ahead of National Day Golden Week and the Macau Grand Prix; Uber also says Macau trips have surged since its February “Uber Taxi” relaunch. Aviation Ambitions: Macau sets up a cross-department Aviation Industry Development Working Group to speed up opening the air market and develop a regional aviation hub. Tourism Compliance: MGTO and police shut two illegal accommodations in Taipa and NAPE. Halal Travel Push: A new Halal Industry Development Association will prioritize halal certification for hotels to tap Muslim visitor demand. Food & Events: The 26th Macau Food Festival is set for Nov 20–Dec 6 near Sai Van Lake Square with about 150 eateries. Culture for Visitors: “Light & Sword: Photographic Works of General Ye Ting” opens at Tap Seac Gallery (free entry) running to Oct 31. Local Safety: PSP arrests a man for illicitly recording women on buses, with over 1,000 suspected videos found.

WTT Champions Macao 2026: The second day at the Macao East Asian Games Dome wrapped up with multiple Round-of-32 matches, including wins for China’s Kuai Man and Huang Youzheng’s opponent-side drama as players battled for advancement. Tourism & transport: Uber says Macau Meter Taxi trips have surged more than fivefold since its February relaunch, and it’s now rolling out a WeChat Mini Program to make rides easier for mainland visitors ahead of October’s National Day Golden Week and the Macau Grand Prix. Aviation push: Macau has set up a cross-department Aviation Industry Development Working Group to speed up licensing and help build a regional aviation hub. Accommodation crackdown: MGTO and police sealed two illegal hotels in Taipa and NAPE after reports, with suspects renting units via intermediaries. Halal travel push: A new Halal Industry Development Association plans to start with food and hospitality, with a key goal of getting hotels halal-certified to attract Muslim travellers. Education & campus opening: The Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town opened with an English-medium curriculum and plans for dual-degree partnerships. Business diversification: Macau’s government targets stronger non-gaming growth under the Five-Year Plan, including tourism market expansion and investment priorities.

Macau’s Diversification Push: Macau is aiming to evolve from a “tourism city” into a “business city,” with a five-year plan pledging about MOP130 billion (US$16.1b) to grow non-gaming industries and lift their GDP share toward 60% by 2030. Aviation & Connectivity: The government has set up a new cross-department aviation task force to speed up licensing and develop Macau into a regional air hub for the western Pearl River Delta. New University Hub in Hengqin: The Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town opened with an English-medium curriculum, cross-campus course options, and plans for dual degrees, with capacity for 20,000 students. Tourism Growth Targets: MGTO and IPIM outlined Five-Year Plan goals to keep tourism momentum strong, including deeper Southeast and Northeast Asia outreach and new Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking market development. Transport for Visitors: Uber says Macau “Uber Taxi” trips have surged more than fivefold since February, and it’s launching a WeChat Mini Program to make rides easier for mainland visitors during October Golden Week and major events. Travel Safety & Compliance: MGTO and police sealed two illegal accommodations in Taipa/NAPE. Halal Tourism Step: A new Halal Industry Development Association will focus first on getting hotels halal-certified to better serve Muslim travellers. On-the-ground Events: WTT Champions Macao 2026 kicked off at the East Asian Games Dome, while Zape’s WTT carnival is running to boost local SME spending.

Sports & Tourism Boost: WTT Champions Macao 2026 presented by Galaxy Entertainment Group kicked off today at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, with opening-round matches drawing local attention. Visitor Perks: Ticket holders can claim up to MOP150 in Zape shopping discounts through “Ticket Stub Privileges x WTT Macau Championship 2026” (Sept 7–13), with vouchers redeemable at about 500 merchants. Local Business Pulse: Zape merchants are urging more sustained, creative initiatives beyond tournament dates, saying promotions help but don’t yet create a long-term reason to visit. Education & Hengqin Link: Three Macau public universities held a joint 2026/27 opening ceremony at the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, reinforcing the Hengqin expansion of Macau’s higher-education footprint. Economic Diversification: Macau’s Third Five-Year Plan targets lifting non-gaming sectors to about 60% of GDP by 2030, alongside a push for a more competitive business environment. Culture for Travelers: The 38th Macao International Music Festival (Oct 2–Nov 29) announced 10 programs and citywide activities, including international exchange highlights. Getting Around: LRT station access gates are being upgraded for broader electronic payments (QR options plus Macau Pass), with trial operations planned by year-end.

Macau Tourism & Diversification: Macau is setting a bold MOP23 billion investment target under its Third Five-Year Plan, aiming to deepen tourism in Southeast and Northeast Asia while pushing non-gaming growth toward Dora Ng’s goal of about 60% of GDP by 2030. Hengqin Integration: As the Guangdong-Macau Deep Cooperation Zone hits its 5th anniversary, Macau-linked companies in Hengqin rose 75% to 8,148, with “Macao Registration + Hengqin Production” and Macau-Hengqin tourist routes helping drive cultural tourism and other emerging industries. Visitor Spend Boost (Sports): WTT ticket holders can claim up to MOP150 in ZAPE discounts for WTT Champions Macao 2026, with coupons redeemable at about 500 merchants via QR scanning. Getting Around (LRT): LRT station access gates are being upgraded for diversified electronic payments (including Macau Pass and major QR options), with trial operations targeted by year-end. Community Commerce: A local business leader warns that urban renewal must include community commerce—schools, health and elderly facilities should be delivered alongside housing to avoid “housing-only” districts. Culture Calendar: The 38th Macao International Music Festival returns Oct. 2–Nov. 29 with 10 programs and citywide activities. Safety & Enforcement: Customs seized smuggled goods worth about MOP850,000 in a recent operation, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cosmetics, medicines and silver granules.

Cross-Border Healthcare: AXA Hong Kong and Macau launched “GBA EverGuard” medical insurance, built for Greater Bay Area care with navigation and rehab support as demand rises for mainland treatment options. Green Finance & Travel Economy: The HKGFA and GBA-GFA held their annual forum in Hong Kong, highlighting Greater Bay Area green finance momentum that can shape future visitor and business flows. Macau–ASEAN Air Connectivity: Macau and Jakarta are pushing to restore direct flights, citing 200,000 Indonesian visitors in 2025 and 8,000+ Indonesian workers in Macau. Sports Tourism Boost: WTT Macau ticket holders can claim up to MOP150 in ZAPE discounts (Sept 7–13), with coupons redeemable at about 500 merchants. Local Access Upgrade: LRT station gates are being replaced with multi-payment electronic entry options (QR e-wallets, UnionPay, Alipay/WeChat, China T-Union), aiming for trial operations by year-end. Culture Calendar: The 38th Macao International Music Festival runs Oct 2–Nov 29 with 10 programs and citywide activities, including a Brazil performance. ZAPE Merchants’ Push: ZAPE businesses want more sustained, distinctive events beyond short-term tournament traffic.

Macau–Jakarta Air Link: Macau and Indonesia are pushing to restore direct flights, citing strong demand (200,000 Indonesian visitors in 2025 and 8,000+ Indonesian workers in the city) after CE Sam Hou Fai’s Southeast Asia trip. WTT & ZAPE Shopping Perks: WTT ticket holders can claim up to MOP150 in ZAPE discounts (Sept 7–13) via QR redemption at border counters, venue booths and about 500 merchants—while ZAPE traders ask for more sustained, creative events beyond tournament dates. LRT Access Made Easier: LRT station gates are being replaced with multi-payment electronic access (Macau Pass plus QR options like UnionPay, Alipay/WeChat, MPay and China T-Union), with extra staff to help during the rollout. Barrier-Free Push: A lawmaker calls for broader barrier-free access across Macau, urging private-sector participation and expanding the Barrier-Free Restaurant Award Scheme to hotels, retail and cultural venues. Culture Calendar: The 38th Macao International Music Festival runs Oct 2–Nov 29 with 10 programs and citywide activities, and the MGM Cup International Lion Dance Championship returns Oct 10–11 at Barra Square.

WTT & Zape Shopping Boost: Macao’s government launched “Ticket Perks x WTT Champions Macao 2026” to drive spending in Zape. Ticket holders can claim three discount vouchers (total 150 patacas) by scanning a QR code at MGTO counters, tournament booths and the Zape carnival venue, redeemable at about 500 shops from Sept 7-13. LRT Payment Upgrade: DSAT and DSOP are replacing LRT station access gates with multi-payment electronic readers, starting at Union Hospital and Lotus stations on the Hengqin Line, with network-wide trials targeted for end-2026. New gates will accept Macau Pass plus QR payments like Simple Pay+, UnionPay, MPay, Alipay/WeChat transport codes and China T-Union. Macao-ASEAN Business Push: A Macao government delegation wrapped an eight-day ASEAN tour (Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia), running 370+ business match sessions and securing 189 agreements to deepen tourism and trade links. Healthcare + Tourism Link: Macao Union Medical Center expanded cooperation with Southeast Asia partners in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, aiming to grow “healthcare + tourism” services. WTT Champions Draw: The WTT Champions Macao 2026 draw set matches at the Macao East Asian Games Dome (Sept 8-13), with local players including Mak Tin Ian and Leong On Na making debuts. Air Travel Costs: EVA Air will raise international excess baggage and related fees from Sept 29, with increases varying by route.

Air Travel Costs: EVA Air will raise excess baggage fees and other international baggage charges from Sept. 29, with excess baggage up by US$20–US$90 per piece depending on route, and extra checked-bag fees to Taiwan rising to US$160–US$390. Cross-Border Yachting Reality Check: Hong Kong and Macau yacht owners say a new Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau individual yacht scheme is promising but slowed by “too numerous” bureaucratic hurdles and shallow waters, with 139 yachts sailing to Dongao under the tourism scheme. Visa Rules for Thailand: Thailand’s revised visa-free framework starts Sept. 15, cutting visa-free nationalities from 93 to 60 and ending the 60-day blanket exemption for many travellers, though some places (including Macao) may be covered via separate arrangements. Macao–ASEAN Deal Push: Macao’s official mission to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia wrapped up with 370+ business matching sessions and 189 signed agreements, aiming to strengthen tourism and trade links with ASEAN. Healthcare + Tourism Link: Macao Union Medical Center expanded Southeast Asia cooperation after visits to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, positioning “healthcare + tourism” around critical and complex disease treatment. Macao–Malaysia Tourism & Business: In Kuala Lumpur, Macao hosted receptions and a promotion seminar with 120+ matching sessions and 54 agreements, including tourism, MICE, high-tech/AI, biomedicine and Muslim-friendly initiatives. On-the-Ground Travel Services: Macau’s “Tourism and Leisure” bus carried nearly 37,000 passengers by mid-August as authorities study whether to make the weekend-focused service permanent. Luxury Hospitality Boost: Wynn Palace entered the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 Extended 51–100 list (ranked 96), adding another international spotlight on Macau’s tourism and leisure scene.

Healthcare + Tourism: Macao Union Medical Center (Peking Union Medical College Hospital) joined CE Sam Hou Fai on a Southeast Asia visit to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, holding hospital and research exchanges aimed at expanding “healthcare + tourism” cooperation. Macao-Malaysia Deal Push: CE Sam said his Kuala Lumpur trip strengthened ties with Malaysia and ASEAN, with 37 events and a focus on tourism, education and culture. Business Matching Boost: A Macao Economic, Trade and Tourism Investment Promotion Seminar in Kuala Lumpur drew 300+ participants, ran nearly 120 business matchings and secured 54 cooperation agreements across tech, tourism, biomedicine and halal-friendly initiatives. Study in Macao: The “Study in Macao” Education Fair launched in Malaysia to attract global talent, with a promotional series set to continue. Aerospace for Students: A “Tiangong Class” Hong Kong and Macao designated session will bring students a space-station live demo, expert lecture and Q&A with Shenzhou-23 astronauts. Tourism Transport Update: Macau’s “Tourism and Leisure” bus carried nearly 37,000 passengers by mid-August as authorities study making the service regular. Travel Safety Warning: Taiwan warned young travellers about rising risks in China, citing scams and “united front” influence tactics. Macao Events on the Calendar: The 38th Macao International Music Festival (Oct 2–Nov 29) returns with “Silk Resonances,” and tickets go on sale Sept 13.

Macao-Malaysia push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Malaysia’s PM and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, pledging to lift cooperation in trade, tourism, culture and people-to-people links, with both sides pointing to Macau and Hengqin’s Greater Bay Area role as a springboard for ASEAN business. Study in Macao drive: The “Study in Macao” Education Fair in Malaysia drew 1,000+ visitors and kicked off a series of brand promotions aimed at attracting international students. Tourism & deals: A Kuala Lumpur investment and tourism promotion seminar delivered 54 cooperation agreements, including tourism, MICE, high-tech/AI, TCM and Muslim-friendly initiatives. On-the-ground visitor services: Macau’s Tourism & “Leisure” bus carried nearly 37,000 passengers by mid-August, and authorities are weighing whether to make the service regular. Events for travellers: WTT Champions Macao 2026 runs 8–13 Sept at the East Asian Games Dome, with tickets via Damai. Luxury spotlight: Wynn Palace entered the World’s 50 Best Hotels Extended 51–100 list (rank 96), boosting Macau’s luxury tourism profile.

Macao-Malaysia diplomacy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Malaysian PM and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, pushing higher-level cooperation across trade, tourism, finance, tech, education and MICE, and highlighting Macau–Hengqin’s role in the Greater Bay Area as a gateway to ASEAN. Education tourism push: The “Study in Macao” Education Fair in Kuala Lumpur drew 1,000+ visitors and kicked off a series of Malaysia promotions to attract global talent. Deal-making for travellers and business: A Kuala Lumpur Macao Economic, Trade and Tourism Investment Promotion Seminar delivered 120+ business matching sessions and 60+ signed agreements, including tourism, high-tech/AI, TCM & big health, and Muslim-friendly initiatives. On-the-ground visitor support: Macau’s Tourism and “Leisure” bus service carried nearly 37,000 passengers by mid-August, with authorities studying whether to make the Friday-heavy model permanent. Culture on the calendar: The 38th Macao International Music Festival returns Oct 2–Nov 29 under “Silk Resonances,” with tickets via Enjoy Macao from Sept 13. Sports for residents and tourists: WTT Champions Macao 2026 runs Sept 8–13 at the East Asian Games Dome. Hospitality spotlight: Wynn Palace was ranked 96 on the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 Extended list, reinforcing Macau’s luxury tourism pull.

Macao–Malaysia push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai says Macao will lift practical cooperation with Malaysia to a higher level, positioning the city as a bridge between Malaysia and the Chinese mainland, with talks also focusing on tourism, digital economy, TCM, green energy and cross-border e-commerce. Business links: A Kuala Lumpur promotion event wrapped up with 54 cooperation agreements across tourism, high-tech, biomedicine and halal-related sectors. Air access for travelers: China Southern will boost New Zealand flights from the Greater Bay Area, raising Guangzhou–Auckland services to as many as 18 weekly and Guangzhou–Christchurch to 10. Tourism transport trial: Macau’s Tourism and “Leisure” bus service has carried nearly 37,000 passengers by mid-August as authorities study making it permanent. PTM 2027 corporate travel: PATA and GBTA team up to strengthen the corporate travel side of PATA Travel Mart 2027 in Macao (20–22 Sep 2027). Luxury hospitality nod: Wynn Palace enters the World’s 50 Best Hotels Extended 51–100 list at No. 96. On-the-ground safety: 33 stray dogs and one cat were captured in Old Taipa Village after a bite incident; authorities urge residents to stop feeding strays. Local culture & sport: WTT Champions Macao 2026 runs 8–13 Sep at the East Asian Games Dome, with tickets on sale.