AGP Executive Report

Health Alert: Macau’s Health Bureau says influenza positivity hit 15% and COVID-19 positivity rose to 25% (high-risk) in late June, urging mask use in public, prompt medical care, rest, and renewed COVID-19 vaccination for seniors and children—especially with summer travel ramping up. Cross-Strait Travel: Several mainland airlines have restarted direct flights across the Taiwan Straits, including Spring Airlines’ Ningbo–Kaohsiung route (twice weekly), cutting one-way travel to about two hours and boosting tourism links. Macao Tourism & Culture: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival opened at the Macao Cultural Centre with Giant Puppetry x Science “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo,” while a new exhibition, “East-West Contemplations: A Retrospective of Mio Pang Fei,” launched at the Macao Museum of Art. Gaming & Business Outlook: Moody’s expects Macau to outperform regional gaming growth over the next 12–18 months, citing Macau’s mainland visitor base and short-haul demand as fuel-price uncertainty weighs more on Southeast Asia. Travel Inspiration: A travel diary highlights Chikan Ancient Town in Kaiping—heritage buildings, live performances, and easy access via high-speed rail plus local trams and boats. Travel Docs Watch: India’s Global Passport Index 2026 rank slipped to 125th; Indian passport holders have visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 26 destinations including Macau.

Macao Family Fun: The “3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival” kicked off at the Macao Cultural Centre with Giant Puppetry x Science “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo,” bringing a full prehistoric adventure for kids and families. Macao Culture Spotlight: “East-West Contemplations: A Retrospective of Mio Pang Fei” opened at the Macao Museum of Art, featuring 90 works across painting, mixed media, installation and manuscripts tracing the artist’s evolution over five decades. Greater Bay Area Travel & Retail: Zhuhai Duty Free won the inbound duty-free shop concession at Guangzhou Nansha Passenger Port, adding a new arrivals store and smart clearance services to boost passenger flow and shopping convenience. Tourism Weather Watch: Macao’s Civil Protection issued Typhoon Signal No.1 as Tropical Storm “Maysak” brings strengthening winds and heavy showers, urging residents and businesses to secure property and adjust plans. Regional Gaming Outlook: Moody’s says Macau is better placed than Southeast Asia for gaming growth amid fuel-price uncertainty, supported by Macau’s mainland visitor base and ongoing entertainment calendar. Passport Reality Check: India’s passport slipped to 125th in the Global Passport Index 2026, with visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 26 destinations including Macau.

Macao Tourism & Travel Policy: Macau’s tourism tax rules kicked in, but hotel operators say the new exemptions still leave confusing gaps—especially for hotel bars—raising fresh questions about fair treatment across the food-and-beverage sector. Gaming & Visitor Demand: Macau casino gross gaming revenue fell 12.1% year-on-year in June to MOP18.52 billion, with analysts pointing to the World Cup diverting discretionary spending and adding pressure into July. Community Tourism: A lawmaker floated a “Ticket-to-Community Consumption Incentive Scheme” to nudge short-haul visitors into Macau neighbourhoods, building on existing airline discounts and free bus offers. Family-Friendly Culture: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival opened with Giant Puppetry x Science “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo,” aiming to draw families into hands-on cultural fun. Art & Heritage: A new exhibition, “East-West Contemplations: A Retrospective of Mio Pang Fei,” opened at the Macao Museum of Art, spotlighting the city’s contemporary art trailblazer across five decades. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm “Maysak” prompted Typhoon Signal No.1 and warnings for flooding risk, urging residents and businesses to secure property and adjust plans.

Macao Tourism & Culture: The “3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival” kicked off at the Macao Cultural Centre, with MGM and the Macao Government Tourism Office backing the Giant Puppetry x Science “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo” show for families. Macao Arts Scene: “East-West Contemplations: A Retrospective of Mio Pang Fei” opened at the Macao Museum of Art, bringing together 90 works across painting, mixed media, installation and manuscripts to trace the artist’s five-decade evolution. Macao Events & Community: Na Tcha’s summer procession and float parade continued despite a yellow hot-weather alert, with the UNESCO Historic Centre route drawing local and visiting crowds. Macao Travel Economy: Macau’s casino gross gaming revenue fell 12.1% year-on-year in June to MOP18.52 billion, with analysts pointing to the FIFA World Cup diverting discretionary spending. Regional Travel Links: Hengqin Port logged 17.77 million passenger crossings in H1, up 27.8% year-on-year, with Macao-registered single-plate vehicles driving much of the growth. Macao Hospitality Policy: A proposed “Ticket-to-Community Consumption Incentive Scheme” would nudge short-haul visitors into neighborhood businesses via community redemption of travel discounts. Weather Watch: Macao issued Typhoon Signal No.1 as Tropical Storm “Maysak” approached, urging wind-proofing and flood readiness for residents and tourists.

Macao Tourism & Culture: The “3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival” kicked off at the Macao Cultural Centre with Giant Puppetry x Science “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo,” while the Macao Museum of Art opened “East-West Contemplations: A Retrospective of Mio Pang Fei,” spotlighting the artist’s evolution across five decades. Travel Safety: Tropical Storm “Maysak” has Macao under Typhoon Signal No.1, with heavy showers and flooding risks prompting early wind-proofing and travel caution for residents and tourists. Gaming & Visitor Economy: Macau’s casino gross gaming revenue fell 12.1% year-on-year in June to MOP18.52 billion, with the World Cup weighing on discretionary spending even as Dragon Boat Festival arrivals stayed strong. Cross-border Travel & Retail: Zhuhai Duty Free won the inbound duty-free shop concession at Guangzhou Nansha Passenger Port, expanding Greater Bay Area retail access with smart clearance services. Community Tourism Ideas: A lawmaker proposed a “Ticket-to-Community Consumption Incentive Scheme” to steer short-haul visitors into local neighbourhoods, building on existing transit-free and airline-linked discounts. APEC Tourism Spotlight: APEC tourism ministers in Macao visited museum cultural creative products, reinforcing the push to link heritage with tourism experiences.

Tropical Cyclone Watch (Macao): The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau issued Typhoon Signal No.1 as Tropical Storm “Maysak” moves in, with winds set to strengthen and showers (sometimes heavy) raising flooding risk; the Civil Protection Operations Centre urged residents and businesses to secure doors/windows, prepare wind-proofing, and adjust outdoor plans. Tourism Tax Update: Macau’s new rules now exempt all food and beverage establishments outside hotels from the 5% tourism tax, effective today, after a law simplifying licensing for dine-in venues. Pet-Friendly Dining (Macau context): About 90 local restaurants (around 50 clearly marked) allow pets, while Hong Kong’s new “pet-friendly” restaurant permissions start next Thursday with hygiene requirements. Community Tourism Incentive: A lawmaker proposed a “Ticket-to-Community Consumption Incentive Scheme” to steer short-haul visitors into Macau neighbourhoods via airline-linked discounts and district partnerships. Macao Gaming Snapshot: June casino gross gaming revenue fell 12.1% year-on-year to MOP18.52 billion, with analysts pointing to World Cup demand diversion. APEC Tourism in Macao: Delegates at the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting toured Macau’s museum cultural creative products, spotlighting culture-to-tourism links and digital innovation. MGM Mainland Push: MGM China agreed to buy MGM Asia-Pacific Ltd for US$20m to expand its mainland hotel management footprint beyond Macau.

University & Education: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai urged the University of Macau to lead high-standard cross-border work for the Macau-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, including campus upgrades, curriculum planning and stronger industry-academia links. Tourism Policy: Macau’s new tourism-tax rules now exempt all food and beverage outlets outside hotels, but hoteliers say the promised “fairer” treatment still leaves gaps—especially for hotel bars. Gaming & Visitor Economy: Macau casino gross gaming revenue fell 12.1% year-on-year in June to MOP18.52 billion, with analysts pointing to the World Cup diverting discretionary spending. Cross-Border Travel: Hengqin Port handled 17.77 million passenger crossings in H1, up 27.8%—with Macao-registered single-plate vehicles driving much of the growth. Community Tourism Ideas: A lawmaker proposed a “ticket-to-community consumption” incentive to steer short-haul visitors into local neighbourhood spending. Summer Events: Na Tcha’s hot-weather-tolerant procession and float parade continues, while July’s family-focused calendar spotlights the 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival and major sports programming. Weather Watch: The observatory warned of hotter days and possible cyclone-linked heavy rain and thunderstorms this weekend. Hospitality Expansion: MGM China agreed to buy MGM Asia-Pacific Ltd for US$20 million to expand its mainland hotel management footprint.

Tourism Policy: Macau’s new tourism-tax rules kick in today, exempting all food and beverage outlets outside hotels from the 5% levy—while hoteliers say the promised “fairer” treatment still leaves gaps, especially for hotel bars. Gaming & Demand: Macau casino revenue fell in June (down 12.1% year-on-year to MOP18.52b), with analysts pointing to the FIFA World Cup diverting discretionary spending into July. Cross-Border Travel: Hengqin Port on the Zhuhai-Macao border logged 17.77 million passenger crossings in H1, up 27.8%—with Macao-registered single-plate vehicles driving most of the growth. Community Tourism Idea: A lawmaker proposes a “Ticket-to-Community Consumption Incentive Scheme” to steer short-haul visitors into neighbourhoods, building on existing transit-free and airline-linked discounts. APEC Tourism Spotlight: Delegates at the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Macao toured a museum creative-products exhibition, underlining how culture and retail experiences are being packaged for travellers. Family Summer Line-up: Macau launches a July cultural and sports calendar led by the 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival, plus a major women’s volleyball league event. Weather Watch: The observatory warns of hotter days and possible cyclone-linked heavy rain and thunderstorms this weekend. Hospitality Expansion: MGM China is buying MGM Asia-Pacific Ltd for US$20m to expand its mainland hotel management footprint.

Macau Tourism & Events: Macau’s summer calendar is in full swing, with the 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival running June 30–Aug and a July push for family-friendly culture plus the Galaxy Entertainment Group World Women’s Volleyball League Macau 2026. Weather Watch: The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau warns of hotter-than-usual days (around 32°C) and possible tropical cyclone impacts this weekend, with heavy rain and thunderstorms possible. Local Policy for Visitors: Macau’s 5% tourism tax is now waived for all food and beverage venues outside hotels (including restaurants and bars), under a new licensing law that also streamlines venue categories. Hospitality Expansion: MGM China is buying MGM Asia-Pacific Ltd for US$20M to expand its mainland hotel management footprint, adding eight MGM-branded properties and more in the pipeline. Travel Retail Buzz: Hennessy X.O’s “Odyssey of Travel” campaign is rolling out across Paris, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and more, with destination-themed decanters and airport activations. Research & Sports: UTM hosted a symposium on event studies focused on how sports events strengthen community life and support Macau’s tourism-and-leisure positioning. Cross-border Security/Politics: China’s Ethnic Unity law takes effect July 1 with controversial extraterritorial reach, while Taiwan says it will protect citizens—an issue that could shape how people travel and express identity across the region.

APEC in Macao: Tourism ministers and delegates wrapped up the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting with a strong focus on digital innovation and connected, culture-led travel—Macao showcased how heritage and creative experiences can turn into visitor drawcards. Macao Events for Families: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival is on, with extra performances added and several popular programmes already sold out—good news for summer family itineraries. Wynn Bars Buzz: Asia’s 50 Best Bars returns to Wynn Resorts Macau, with Wynn Palace and Wynn Macau hosting the awards week from July 24–29 and a resort-wide “Wing Lei Bar & Friends” takeover culminating July 28. Tourism Tax Change: From today, restaurants and bars outside hotels are exempt from Macau’s 5% tourism tax, as the new licensing law (Law 5/2026) streamlines rules for dine-in venues. Weather Watch: Macau is bracing for hotter days (around 32°C+) and possible cyclone-linked heavy rain and thunderstorms this weekend. Hotel & Travel Business: MGM China is buying MGM Asia-Pacific Ltd for US$20m to expand its mainland hotel management footprint, while Emperor E’s FY26 revenue fell 39% after the closure of its Macau satellite casino. Cross-border Travel Ease: The DoJ launched a Greater Bay Area Legal Information Platform to help residents and businesses across housing, work, education, family and healthcare.

MGM China Expansion: MGM China says it has completed a US$20 million deal to buy MGM Asia-Pacific Ltd, a mainland hotel management business running eight hotels with 12 more in the pipeline—aimed at strengthening MGM’s Greater China hospitality and cultural tourism footprint. Weather & Travel Disruption Watch: Macau’s observatory warns of hotter days (at least 32°C) and the chance of a tropical cyclone forming over the South China Sea this weekend, with heavy rain and thunderstorms possible. Tourism Tax Update: From today, restaurants, bars and other dine-in food and beverage venues outside hotels are exempt from Macau’s 5% tourism tax under a new licensing law. APEC Tourism Spotlight: Macau continues to position itself as a culture-and-leisure hub as APEC tourism ministers meet, with local heritage and East-West coexistence front and center. Cross-border Convenience: Cathay Cargo expands its cold-chain perishables network with a new refrigerated barge link to Dongguan and an extended Air-Land Fresh Lane to Macao via the HZMB. City Planning: The government’s draft urban master plan amendment puts Macau’s 2040 population at 783,000 and opens public consultation until Aug 27, while adjusting land use for major projects. Travel Retail Luxury: Hennessy’s X.O “Odyssey of Travel” campaign rolls out destination-themed decanters and immersive airport activations, now including Macau. Kids & Culture: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival is underway, with additional performances added and several popular programmes already sold out.

APEC Tourism in Macao: Ministers wrapped the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting with a clear push for digital innovation and seamless travel facilitation, positioning Macao as a key bridge for Asia-Pacific tourism cooperation. Legal & Business Ease: The DoJ launched a GBA Legal Information Platform for housing, work, education, family and healthcare, aiming to make it easier for residents and companies to operate across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. Urban Planning Consultation: Macau’s draft Urban Master Plan amendment is open for public input until Aug 27, projecting a population of 783,000 by 2040 and reshaping land use for major projects. Macao 2026 Stamp Event: “Collection Day” kicked off the penultimate stage of the Macao 2026 Specialized World Stamp Exhibition, with results due tonight. Family Summer Arts: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival continues, with sold-out camps and extra performances including “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo” in early July. Cross-border Travel Payments: Visa launched a Tap to Ride transit payment pilot across Shenzhen Metro, using foreign cards for easier rides for international travellers. Local Safety & Crime: Police arrested a Mainland man over fake casino chip sales in Cotai, with accomplices still being sought.

Urban Planning Update: Macau’s government has launched a public consultation on draft amendments to the Urban Master Plan, cutting the 2040 population forecast to about 783,000 and adjusting the plan’s total land area to about 36.96 sq km, with changes aimed at making room for major projects like the International Integrated Tourism and Culture Zone, the Technology Research Industrial Park and the west-bank air transport hub. APEC Tourism in Macao: The 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting wrapped up with a clear push for digital innovation and seamless travel facilitation, as ministers backed stronger regional cooperation and smarter visitor experiences. Policy & Travel Facilitation: Hong Kong also introduced new cross-boundary yacht facilitation measures, including streamlined vetting and easier berth requirements, to attract more Greater Bay Area and international yacht visits. Tourism Numbers: Macau hotels hit 89.8% occupancy in May (up year-on-year), helped by Golden Week demand, even as total guest numbers dipped. Local Safety & Integrity: Police arrested a Mainland man in Cotai for allegedly selling fake casino chips, after a suspected scam at an integrated resort. New Market Move: Li Auto opened its first Macao retail center, marking its entry into the city after expanding across the Mainland.

APEC Tourism in Macao: Ministers meeting in the city put digital innovation and seamless travel facilitation at the top of the agenda, with China’s Sun Yeli urging faster customs, easier visas, cross-border payments and tax refunds to boost regional tourism. US-Macao Tension: The United States skipped senior representation at the APEC tourism event, citing visa limits that restrict emergency consular help for US travellers in Macao. Urban Planning & Tourism Zones: Macau released a draft amended Urban Master Plan, projecting a population of 783,000 by 2040 and carving out diversified industrial areas while keeping no industrial land inside tourism and entertainment zones. Hotel Demand Snapshot: Macau hotels hit 89.8% occupancy in May (up year-on-year), but guest numbers fell to 1.17 million. Local Visitor Economy Pressure: A new analysis highlights how Macau’s community businesses face strain as residents increasingly shop across the border. Tourism Cooperation Beyond APEC: Indonesia and South Korea discussed deeper tourism cooperation in Macao, including gastronomy as a special-interest segment. Wildlife Update: Macau’s giant panda twins will be moved to Chengdu at end-October, with pavilion renovations planned.

APEC Tourism in Macao: Ministers from 21 APEC economies met in Macao to push digital innovation and travel facilitation, with China’s tourism chief calling for smoother cross-border processes like mutual visa exemptions, faster customs, cross-border payments and tax refunds for departing tourists. Regional Tourism Boost: Delegates also highlighted regional connectivity and multi-destination travel, while Macau showcased its culture-tech mix to visiting officials. Macao Hotel Snapshot: Macau’s hotel occupancy hit 89.8% in May (up year-on-year), but registered guests fell to 1.17 million as mainland and Hong Kong visitor numbers dipped. Family-Friendly Wildlife Update: Macau-born giant panda twins Jian Jian and Kang Kang will be moved to Chengdu at the end of October, with the pavilion set for renovation. Culture & Inclusion: Macau marked the International Day of Deafblindness with its first deafblind art exhibition “TOUCH the Heart,” featuring interactive workshops. Tourism Safety Note: A fatal traffic accident in Kowloon City involved a public light bus; the driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death.

APEC Tourism in Macao: The 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting opened in Macao with a clear focus on digital innovation and travel facilitation, as ministers and delegates from 21 economies discussed how to make cross-border trips smoother and more connected. On-the-ground showcase: Delegates also toured Macao’s culture-and-tech highlights, including interactive heritage exhibits and local craft workshops, with the city positioning itself as a ready host for major international conventions. China’s tourism push: China’s tourism chief called for better policy alignment across APEC, including more mutual visa exemptions, faster customs clearance, and easier cross-border payments. Macao hotel snapshot: Macau reported 89.8% hotel occupancy in May (up year-on-year), driven by Golden Week spillover, even as guest numbers dipped to 1.17 million. Regional travel ties: Malaysia and Vietnam pledged closer tourism and culture cooperation, including ideas for medical and halal tourism. UAE entry update: The UAE expanded visa-free and visa-on-arrival options for more nationalities, supporting easier spur-of-the-moment travel.