AGP Executive Report

Macao Tourism Policy: Macao’s Third Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) was officially released, with central government backing it as a milestone that will “guide the future” and help the SAR diversify beyond gaming, renew old districts, and lift non-gaming GDP toward 60%, while tightening integration with national development. Urban Renewal & Cross-Border Mobility: The plan also points to city-wide building “health checks” and urban renewal steps, while Hengqin Port marked six years with over 110 million passenger crossings since opening—useful for travellers planning smoother Macau–Hengqin trips. Performing Arts Pull: Galaxy Entertainment Group says its “Tourism + Performing Arts” push drove a major visitor lift, with event weekends bringing 30–40% more foot traffic and hundreds of shows drawing 560,000+ spectators in the first seven months. Awards for Macau Tourism: Macao set a record at the 2026 PATA Gold Awards, winning seven honours—MGTO and integrated resort projects were recognised across destination marketing, social media, and hospitality categories. Education for Visitors & Families: The Macau-Hengqin International Education (University) Town is now operating, letting students from three universities share courses across institutions—another sign of Hengqin’s growing draw for longer stays. Travel Retail Buzz: Cartier opened a relocated boutique at Shenzhen Bao’an Airport, underscoring how luxury brands keep targeting major travel hubs across the region.

Macao Policy Update: Macao has released its Third Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), setting out a “Law-based, Vibrant, Cultural, Blissful” roadmap with public input of 1,716 submissions and 8,230 suggestions, and pushing economic diversification, Hengqin integration, urban renewal and stronger China-Portuguese-Spanish connectivity. Border & Travel Convenience: From today, Macau residents can use Home Return Permits at e-channels at the three Macau-mainland joint checkpoints (HZMB Macau-Zhuhai, Hengqin, Qingmao), instead of only Macau ID cards. Tourism Trade Push: MGTO is promoting Macao at PATA Travel Mart 2026 in Malaysia and highlighted destination projects that won seven PATA Gold Awards. New Stay Options: City of Dreams Macau unveiled REM, a 149-room luxury hotel opening in October, adding to COD’s “dynamic luxury hospitality landscape.” Visitor Practicalities: Some international visitors report credit-card payment minimums at local merchants, creating friction for short shopping stops. Weather Watch: A South China Sea low-pressure system may bring stronger winds and more showers to Macau later this week.

Macau’s Third Five-Year Plan: The SAR has unveiled its 2026–2030 blueprint, built on public consultation and aimed at diversifying the economy, renewing older districts, boosting Hengqin integration, and raising non-gaming GDP to 60%, with city-wide building “health checks” set to start in the second half. Hengqin Port milestone: Hengqin Port marked six years of operations, topping 110 million passenger crossings since 2020, with 2026 passenger and vehicle volumes continuing to surge as more locals and visitors use the crossing. New luxury stays at City of Dreams: Melco launched REM, a 149-room luxury hotel concept opening in October, adding to COD’s push for more high-end hospitality beyond gaming. New immersive entertainment: Studio City Macau debuted “Studio City Stardust,” a 4D immersive flying experience, as the resort adds another headline attraction for international visitors. MICE momentum: Macau’s MICE sector rose strongly in 2Q26, with revenue up 54.8% year-on-year to MOP 1.59 billion and attendees up 37.6%, driven by a surge in exhibitions. Travel practicalities: Qatar now waives visa fees for MSAR passport holders for up to 30 days on arrival, while some visitors report credit-card payment minimums at local merchants. Cross-border convenience: Macau residents can use Home Return Permits at e-channels across the three Macau-mainland joint checkpoints (HZMB, Hengqin, Qingmao), improving automated clearance. Weather watch: A South China Sea low-pressure system may bring stronger winds and more showers to Macau later this week. MGTO arrivals update: International visitor growth remains slightly below expectations, but total arrivals are steady, with MGTO leaning on carriers and travel platforms to lift inbound demand.

Macao Policy: Macao has officially released its Third Five-Year Plan (2026-30), a 36-chapter blueprint aimed at boosting Hengqin cooperation, improving livelihoods and pushing urban renewal, with 35 key indicators and a focus on docking with the national plan. Cross-Border Travel: From today, Macao residents can use their Home Return Permit at all three Macau-mainland joint checkpoints’ e-channels (HZMB Macau-Zhuhai, Hengqin and Qingmao), making automated clearance easier for trips in both directions. Tourism Outlook: MGTO says international arrivals are still slightly below expectations—about +2% year-on-year in July and around +10% in early August—blaming flight capacity and external uncertainty, and pointing to a busy cultural calendar ahead. MICE Boost: Macau’s MICE sector delivered a strong Q2: revenue hit MOP1.59 billion (+54.8% y/y) and participants/attendees rose 37.6% to 314,000, led by exhibition growth. New Attractions: City of Dreams Macau welcomed REM, while Studio City Macau opened “Studio City Stardust,” a 4D immersive flying experience—both aimed at strengthening Macau’s non-gaming appeal. Visitor Practicalities: Some international visitors report credit-card payment issues at local merchants, including minimum-spend rules. Weather Watch: A South China Sea low-pressure system may bring stronger winds and more showers to Macau later this week.

New Visa Move for Macau Passports: Qatar will waive visa fees for Macao SAR passport holders, offering free tourist visas on arrival for stays up to 30 days starting today. Payment Friction for Visitors: Some international travellers report credit-card payment problems in Macau, with merchants sometimes demanding minimum spends before cards work. Cross-Border Convenience Update: From today, Macau residents can use their Home Return Permit via e-channels at all three Macau–mainland joint checkpoints (HZMB Macau-Zhuhai, Hengqin, and Qingmao), while still able to use Macau ID cards. Customs Crackdown: Macau Customs seized 10 smuggling cases in a week, including 105 litres of Japanese sake plus cigarettes and e-cigarettes, at the HZMB port, Barrier Gate and airport. Weather Watch: A South China Sea low-pressure system may develop into a tropical depression or storm, with stronger winds and more showers expected for Macau later this week. Tourism Pulse: MGTO says international arrivals are slightly below expectations in summer, though July and early August totals show resilience. Macao MICE Boost: Q2 MICE revenue hit MOP 1.59 billion (+54.8% YoY) as attendees surged, driven by exhibition growth. Resort Buzz: City of Dreams Macau launched REM, and Studio City Macau opened “Studio City Stardust,” a 4D immersive flying attraction. Education in Hengqin: UTM begins postgraduate teaching at the first phase of the Macao–Hengqin International Education Town, bringing cross-border study options closer to home.

Cross-border Education: Macao University of Tourism (UTM) is starting postgraduate teaching at the first phase of the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, with 200+ students splitting time between Macao and Hengqin and dual master’s links with partners including Australia, the UK, Portugal and Switzerland. New Attractions in Cotai: City of Dreams Macau launched REM, a new luxury hotel with an invitation-only preview, while Studio City Macau opened “Studio City Stardust,” a 4D immersive flying experience aimed at boosting international appeal. MICE Momentum: Macau’s non-gaming MICE sector rose strongly in 2Q26, with revenue up 54.8% year-on-year to MOP1.59 billion and attendees up 37.6% as exhibitions surged. Tourism Reality Check: MGTO says international visitor arrivals are still slightly below expectations—July up only 2% and early August around 10%—with fuel costs, flight capacity cuts and geopolitical uncertainty blamed. Faster Immigration: From Aug 18, Macao residents and Hong Kong permanent residents can use the Mainland Travel Permit for automated clearance in both directions at key Zhuhai-Macao and Hengqin routes. Scholarships: SJM Resorts awarded 36 scholarships to children of employees, supporting studies across Macau, Hong Kong and the mainland.

MICE Momentum: Macau’s non-gaming MICE sector hit MOP 1.59 billion revenue in 2Q26, up 54.8% year-on-year, as participants and attendees jumped 37.6% to 314,000, led by a big exhibition surge. Resort Updates: Melco says REM’s soft opening is underway, with a grand opening planned after Golden Week in October, plus City of Dreams retail revamps aimed at lifting second-half demand. Urban Planning for Visitors: A forum on Macau’s 20-year Urban Master Plan draft urged creating “Priority Urban Renewal Zones” and using housing-for-renewal transfers to tackle land and relocation issues. Policy Talk: The Chief Executive met Legislative Assembly lawmakers to gather input for the 2027 Policy Address, including culture, tourism, sports, urban renewal, and AI-related legislation. Economy Watch: Macau’s economic climate index is forecast to stay in a stable range, but gaming revenue and visitor numbers remain soft, with hotel occupancy also easing. On-the-ground Safety: A 73-year-old woman died after being struck by a coach near the Barrier Gate, with authorities collecting footage as the case moves into judicial process. Tourism Trade Push: MGTO stepped up promotion in Spain and Portugal via familiarisation visits and plans to build multi-destination tour products. Education in Hengqin: Macau-Hengqin International Education (University) Town’s first transitional campus at Dezhi Plaza is set to start operations this month, with total investment around RMB 18 billion. Community Retail Pressure: Lawmakers warned SMEs are still struggling despite record tourist spending, calling for more targeted consumption incentives and better foot-traffic support.

Macau Tourism & Diversification: MGTO is stepping up promotion in Spain and Portugal, running a four-day familiarisation visit and planning more trade and media outreach to spur longer stays and higher spend in the city. Hengqin Education Boost: Macau’s Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town is set for first-phase operations this month at Dezhi Plaza, with the transitional campus supporting UM, MPU and UTM under a “one university, two campuses” model. Local Economy Pressure: Lawmakers say SMEs are still struggling even as non-gaming visitor spending rises, urging fresh consumption incentives and better transport to bring tourists into community areas. Non-gaming Investment Push: IPIM reports 194 new investment proposals in H1 2026, with over 60% tied to the “1+4” industries, especially big health and high tech. Gaming Market Snapshot: Melco Resorts’ 2Q26 revenues fell 5.7% year-on-year, with gaming revenue down 5.5%, as low hold and the FIFA World Cup weighed on Macau. Travel Demand Watch: Chinese outbound travel is expected to soften in 2H26 as travellers become more selective amid economic gloom. Culture & Attractions: “Porcelain Echoes” explores Macau’s East-West exchange through porcelain fragments and contemporary art. Sports Tourism: Tickets for NBA China Games 2026 at The Venetian Macao are set to go on sale this Wednesday.

Macau Tourism & Economy: MGTO is pushing harder in Europe, with familiarisation visits and new multi-destination products aimed at Spain and Portugal to encourage longer stays and higher spend. Non-gaming & Local Business: Lawmakers say SMEs are still struggling even as non-gaming visitor spending rose 17.4% in 1H, urging fresh consumption incentives and better transport to route foot traffic beyond the integrated resorts. Education & Hengqin: The Macau-Hengqin International Education (University) Town’s first transitional campus at Dezhi Plaza is set to start operations this month, with total investment around RMB18 billion and capacity for 20,000+ students by 2030. Gaming Industry Watch: Melco Resorts reported 2Q26 revenues down 5.7% to US$1.25b, citing low hold and the FIFA World Cup impact on Macau visitation. Culture & Heritage: “Porcelain Echoes” explores Macau’s East-West exchange through a new exhibition using porcelain fragments tied to the Ruins of St. Paul’s. Travel Demand Signals: Chinese outbound travel is expected to cool in 2H26 as travellers get more selective, even though spending per trip remains broadly steady.

Macao Tourism & Leisure: Melco Resorts reported 2Q26 revenues down 5.7% to US$1.25b, with gaming revenue falling 5.5% to US$1.04b, citing low hold and the FIFA World Cup impact—an update that matters for visitors watching how Cotai’s energy is shifting. Macao Culture: “Porcelain Echoes” opens in Macau, using fragments from the Ruins of St. Paul’s to explore East–West exchange through contemporary art—an easy cultural stop for travelers. Hengqin & Education: Macau’s Legislative Assembly follow-up committee says the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town is set to cost 18 billion yuan across three phases, starting with transitional facilities for UM, MPU and UTM. Regional Travel Demand: China Trading Desk expects Chinese outbound trips in 2H26 to be slightly lower than forecast, with travelers more selective—good context for Macau’s visitor planning. GBA Promotion: HKTB, Guangdong and MGTO teamed up in Kuala Lumpur to push Greater Bay Area travel for Malaysians, highlighting halal-friendly dining and “Only in Hong Kong” experiences. Air Travel Perk: AirAsia Philippines offers a P600 fixed-price Value Pack Lite for 15kg extra baggage plus a seat on domestic routes until Sept 30, 2026.

Macau Tourism & Culture: “Porcelain Echoes” is on in Macau, using broken porcelain from the Ruins of St. Paul’s to spotlight East-West cultural exchange through contemporary art. Gaming & Resorts: Melco Resorts reported 2Q26 revenues down 5.7% to US$1.25b, with Macau resorts hit by low hold and the FIFA World Cup; Studio City also posted softer 2Q26 results. Hengqin Development: Macau expects to spend 18 billion yuan on the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, with phased teaching and research facilities supporting three public universities. Cross-border Living: A look at everyday life in Hengqin shows how Macao ID holders are settling, commuting, and using shared services—evidence the integration experiment is moving from policy to routine. Policy & Governance: CE Sam Hou Fai met Legislative Assembly members to gather views for the 2027 Policy Address, stressing stronger executive-legislative interaction. Travel Demand Watch: Chinese outbound travel is slowing in 2H26 as consumers get pickier, even as spending per trip stays steady—something Macau tourism will be watching closely. Air Travel Deal: AirAsia Philippines is offering a P600 fixed-price Value Pack Lite for 15kg extra baggage plus a seat on domestic routes until Sept 30, 2026. Regional Tourism Push: HKTB, Guangdong and MGTO promoted Greater Bay Area travel in Malaysia, pitching halal-friendly experiences and “Only in Hong Kong” highlights. Attractions: Studio City unveiled its immersive “Stardust” flying experience, adding another reason for visitors to plan a Cotai stop.

Macao Tourism & Economy: Macao’s push to diversify is gaining momentum: IPIM says it received 194 new investment proposals in 1H2026, with over 60% tied to the “1+4” industries—especially big health, modern financial services and high tech. Resort Watch: Melco Resorts & Entertainment reported 2Q26 revenues down 5.7% to US$1.25b, with gaming revenue slipping 5.5% as low hold and the FIFA World Cup weighed on Macau. Hengqin Education Plan: The Legislative Assembly’s finance follow-up committee approved a report on Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, with expected spending of 18 billion yuan across three phases. Cross-Border Living: A new feature looks at daily life in Hengqin’s Macau New Neighbourhood, where Macao ID holders live, work and commute across the border in routine that’s becoming normal. Culture & Events: “Porcelain Echoes” explores Macau’s East-West exchange through porcelain fragments and contemporary art at the Ruins of St. Paul’s-linked exhibition space. Travel Demand Signals: China’s outbound travel is slowing for 2H2026 as travellers get more selective, even as spending per trip holds up. Regional Promotion: HKTB, Guangdong and MGTO promoted Greater Bay Area travel in Kuala Lumpur, pitching a one-trip, three-city route for Malaysian visitors. Air Travel Deal (for travellers): AirAsia Philippines offers a P600 fixed-price Value Pack Lite with 15kg extra baggage plus a seat on domestic routes until Sept 30, 2026.

Macau Tourism & Diversification: Macau’s Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai says the SAR will invest MOP130 billion over the next five years to push non-gaming sectors toward about 60% of GDP by 2030, anchored by big projects including the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town. New Attractions (Cotai): Studio City Macau launched “Studio City Stardust”, a 4D immersive “flying” experience developed with Dynamic Entertainment, adding another headline entertainment draw for visitors in Cotai. Resort Performance Watch: Melco reported 2Q26 revenues down 5.7% to US$1.25b, citing low hold and World Cup impacts, while Studio City also posted weaker results for the quarter. Hotel Demand Snapshot: In the ZAPE district, occupancy stayed stable above 90% despite satellite casino departures, helped by independent travelers. Cross-border Travel Notes: Zhuhai Gongbei Customs seized US$80,000 and €40,000 in cash hidden on a Macau woman, reminding travelers about foreign-currency limits. Regional Travel Context: Chinese outbound trips are expected to soften further as consumers become more selective amid economic gloom. Culture & Heritage: “Porcelain Echoes” explores Macau’s East-West exchange through porcelain fragments tied to the Ruins of St. Paul’s. Worker Wellness: A new TCM AI health station opened at MGM Cotai to support employee well-being with digital screening and traditional therapy.

Macau Culture & Arts: “Porcelain Echoes: The Fusion of East and West” is on at Ho’s Clan Association Exhibition Hall, using broken porcelain from the Ruins of St. Paul’s to trace centuries of East-West trade and artistic mixing. Cotai Attractions: Studio City Macau launched “Studio City Stardust,” a 4D immersive flying-style experience with motion seats, synchronized wind/fog/scent effects, and a ~15-minute ride for up to 72 guests per session. Resort Updates (Earnings): Studio City and Melco Resorts both reported unaudited Q2 2026 results, with revenue softness linked to mass-market table games and non-gaming performance. Hotel Leadership: W Macau – Studio City named Sammy King as General Manager, tasking him with boosting guest experience and operational performance. Macao Diversification Plan: Macau’s Chief Executive says the SAR will invest MOP130 billion over the next five years to lift non-gaming sectors to about 60% of GDP by 2030, anchored by four major projects and a government-guided fund. MICE & Tourism Demand: Galaxy Entertainment Group reported Q2/interim results, citing resilient visitation, strong hotel occupancy, and continued ramp-up of Capella at Galaxy Macau.

Macau Diversification Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai says Macau will invest MOP$130 billion (US$16.1b) over the next five years to lift non-gaming sectors to about 60% of GDP by 2030, backed by four major projects and a government-guided fund. Cotai Tourism Upgrade: W Macau – Studio City appoints Sammy King as General Manager, as Studio City also rolls out “Studio City Stardust,” a 4D immersive flying attraction with motion seating and multi-sensory effects. Visitor Spend Momentum: Galaxy Entertainment Group reports Q2 and interim results, citing resilient visitation and strong demand across gaming and non-gaming, with visitor arrivals hitting new highs. Finance Meets Travel: Galaxy Macau and Ant Bank (Macao) launch a “Financial Services Station” at the resort, aiming to blend fintech services with tourism consumption. Wellness for Workers: MGM Cotai hosts a new TCM AI health station for employee wellbeing, combining digital screening with traditional wellness support. Regional Travel Disruption: Typhoon Dolphin continues to disrupt flights to and from Macau, with multiple cancellations reported.

Macau Diversification Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai says the SAR will invest MOP130 billion over the next five years to lift non-gaming sectors to about 60% of GDP by 2030, backed by four major projects and a government-guided fund. Tourism Trade Boost: MGTO invites Spanish travel trade to Macao for familiarisation visits and product development, while a separate push targets Portugal with multi-channel promotions. Visitor Spend Update: DSEC reports non-gaming spending by visitors rose 17.4% in 1H 2026 to MOP44.47 billion, with shopping the biggest draw and MICE visitors spending the most per person. On-the-Ground Wellness: A TCM AI health station launched at MGM Cotai offers digital screening and support for worker well-being. Legal Ruling for Junket Deposits: Macau’s Court of Final Appeal ruled a concessionaire isn’t liable for certain junket-related investment deposits, shaping how visitors understand risk and responsibility. Cotai Business & Events: Galaxy Entertainment posted solid Q2 results and continues ramping up Capella, while Ant Bank (Macao) opened a Financial Services Station at Galaxy Macau to support “finance + tourism” experiences. Travel Disruption Watch: Typhoon Dolphin has led to flight cancellations affecting Macau routes, and Macau–Hong Kong airport buses may add longer hours and overnight service as summer demand grows.