AGP Executive Report

Typhoon Dolphin Disrupts Travel in the Pearl River Delta: Macau-bound and regional flights faced cancellations and diversions as the storm’s outer bands pushed extreme heat and severe weather across the PRD, with passengers urged to check flight status before heading to the airport. Macau Health Alert: The Health Bureau reported a 70-year-old man in critical condition with influenza A complicated by pneumonia, urging high-risk groups to step up hygiene and prevention. Border Enforcement: Gongbei Customs seized 8,000 cigarettes at HZMB on July 31 after a routine outbound vehicle inspection flagged suspicious behavior. Tourism Spending Update: DSEC said first-half 2026 non-gaming visitor spending hit MOP44.47 billion (+17.4% y/y), led by shopping, with accommodation and food next. New “Tourism+” Finance Push: Galaxy Macau and Ant Bank (Macao) opened a financial services station at Taste of Asia to make digital banking and payments easier for visitors. Family-Friendly Fun on the Rails: LRT stations hosted a one-day Beyblade tournament and activities during summer holidays, turning commuting into play.

Visitor Economy Boost: Macao’s non-gaming visitor spending hit MOP44.47 billion in H1 2026, up 17.4% year-on-year, with shopping the biggest category (46%), followed by accommodation and food & beverages. Fintech Meets Tourism: Galaxy Macau and Ant Bank (Macao) opened a new financial services station at Taste of Asia, adding self-service banking, consultations, and mCard top-ups, tied to a revamped Galaxy membership push. MICE Momentum: The Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair opened with 49 cooperation deals and over 270 business talks on day one, while organisers pointed to Macau’s strong MICE activity and retail demand. Hengqin Access Update: Lawmakers say the long-awaited Hengqin single-plate northbound policy is nearing release, likely using a reservation-based system for the first phase. Urban Renewal Watch: Macau’s urban renewal overhaul is moving toward district-led planning, a database of ageing buildings, and tighter oversight as redevelopment stalls. Tourism Culture Link: MGTO joined UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy talks in Malaysia to spotlight Macao’s culinary heritage.

Hengqin–Macau Integration: A new push to link Hengqin and Macau into one tourism-and-leisure experience ecosystem is being discussed through business and policy forums, with the goal of making it easier to invest, work, visit, and live across the border. Urban Renewal: Macau’s urban-renewal drive is getting a reset, with district-led planning, a database of ageing buildings, incentives, and tighter oversight aimed at untangling stalled redevelopment caused by complex ownership and weak project economics. Visitor Spend Boost: Visitor non-gaming spending in Macau hit MOP44.47 billion in H1 2026, up 17.4% year-on-year, led by shopping, then accommodation and food—plus higher per-capita spend for MICE visitors. Fintech for Tourism: Galaxy Macau and Ant Bank (Macao) have opened a financial services station inside the resort, bringing self-service banking, consultations, and a revamped membership tie-in to support “Tourism+” growth. Hengqin Mobility Update: Lawmakers say the long-awaited Hengqin single-plate northbound policy is nearing release, likely using a reservation-based system for the first phase. Macao-Hengqin Education Town: The first phase of the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town in Hengqin is set to start operating on Aug 17, supporting Macau public universities’ teaching and research needs. MGTO Gastronomy Spotlight: Macau joined UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy talks in Malaysia to raise the city’s international profile through culinary heritage and sustainable food culture. GMBPF Trade Momentum: The Guangdong–Macao Branded Products Fair opened with 49 cooperation deals signed on day one, including business matching across silver economy, gourmet, and Belt & Road food categories.

Macau Tourism Numbers: DSEC says visitor non-gaming spend hit MOP44.47b (+17.4%) in H1 2026, with shopping the biggest draw (46%), followed by accommodation and food. Tourism Finance Boost: Galaxy Macau and Ant Bank (Macao) have opened a Financial Services Station at Taste of Asia, adding self-service banking, consultations, and fintech-linked loyalty plans to the resort experience. MICE & Business Push: The Guangdong-Macao Branded Products Fair opened with 49 signed deals and over 270 business talks on day one, aiming to connect Macau, Hengqin and wider Belt and Road markets. Urban Planning for Diversification: Macau’s draft 2020–2040 Urban Master Plan update is in public consultation, with more focus on culture, tech, logistics and Greater Bay Area integration. Hengqin Access Update: Lawmakers say the long-awaited Hengqin single-plate northbound policy is nearing release, likely reservation-based, with limits on stay days. Culture on the Move: MGTO joined UNESCO’s Creative Cities of Gastronomy conference in Malaysia to spotlight Macao’s food heritage.

Tourism Finance Boost: Galaxy Macau and Ant Bank (Macao) have opened a new “Financial Services Station” inside Galaxy Macau’s Taste of Asia, bringing self-service banking, fintech info, consultations and account opening into the integrated resort experience—aimed at strengthening “Tourism+” and the city’s modern finance push. Visitor Spend Update: Macao’s non-gaming visitor spending hit MOP44.47 billion in H1 2026, up 17.4% year-on-year, with shopping the biggest category and accommodation and food also rising—good news for hotels and dining. Trade & Retail Momentum: The 2026 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair kicked off with 49 cooperation deals signed on day one, plus 270 business talks, while the “first-store economy” support scheme continues to help new brands open in Macau. Cross-Border Travel Watch: Reports say Chinese state employers are tightening overseas travel document controls ahead of new restrictions, with some staff reportedly asked to surrender passports or face approval hurdles—something that could affect outbound flows. Macao-Hengqin Mobility: Lawmakers say the long-awaited Hengqin single-plate northbound policy is nearing release, likely via a reservation-based system for eligible vehicles. Macao Food Diplomacy: MGTO joined UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy’s annual conference in Malaysia to spotlight Macao’s culinary heritage and sustainable gastronomy development. Safety Reminder: With heat-stress warnings in the region, authorities are urging employers to prevent heat stroke for outdoor and non-air-conditioned workers.

Visitor Economy Watch: Macao’s total non-gaming spending by visitors hit MOP44.47 billion in H1 2026, up 17.4% year-on-year, with shopping the biggest draw (46%), followed by accommodation (22.3%) and food & beverages (21.5%). Fintech Meets Tourism: Galaxy Macau and Ant Bank (Macao) have opened a Financial Services Station at Taste of Asia, adding self-service banking, consultations, and mCard top-ups, tied to a revamped Galaxy membership push. Macao Travel Demand Signals: DSEC data also shows per-capita non-gaming spend rose 7.8% to MOP2,123, and same-day visitor spending jumped 53.5% in the first half. MICE & Business Travel: The DSEC survey notes MICE visitors spent more per person (MOP4,593), underlining how meetings and events keep lifting hotel, dining and retail demand. Safety & Disruption Abroad: Reports say Chinese state employers are tightening overseas travel document controls ahead of new restrictions, with some staff reportedly being asked to surrender passports—an issue that could affect cross-border travel planning. Cotai Incident: Macau police arrested a mainland man over an attempted murder of his girlfriend and illegal weapons possession. Regional Links: MGTO joined UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy talks in Malaysia, spotlighting Macao’s food culture internationally.

Heat Safety for Workers: Macau’s wider region is issuing fresh heat-stress reminders, with Hong Kong’s Labour Department urging employers to assess risks and add shade, ventilation, water and rest during Amber/Red/Black heat alerts. Hengqin Vehicle Northbound Plan: Lawmakers say Hengqin-registered single-plate cars can soon go north via a reservation-based system, with Macau vehicles already using the Bridge scheme while the Hengqin option is limited to the Cooperation Zone. Guangdong-Macao Branded Products Fair (GMBPF): The Venetian Macao hosted the GMBPF opening with 49 cooperation deals signed, spanning health care, MICE, sports, catering and kitchen equipment—plus a push into halal and “silver economy” themes. Macao First-Store Economy: Businesses say the first-store support scheme is helping new brands debut in Macau, with exhibitors using the fair to build confidence and local supply chains. Macao-Hengqin Education Town Opens: CE Sam Hou Fai inspected the first phase of the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, set to start operating Aug 17 for Macau universities’ transitional teaching and research. Sands China Workplace Recognition: Sands China received the Great Place to Work Certification, highlighting staff feedback on credibility, respect, fairness and wellbeing. Tourism Boost in ZAPE: A ZAPE Consumption Festival (Sept 11–19) will give hotel guests MOP100 vouchers to spend locally across about 20 hotels and 300 businesses.

Macau–Fujian Tourism & Business Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Fujian enterprises in Fuzhou, urging them to tap Macao and the Hengqin cooperation zone as the SAR accelerates diversification and integration into the Greater Bay Area. Regional Cooperation Conference: The 5th Fujian–Macao Cooperation Conference in Fuzhou saw new deals spanning trade, finance, innovation, culture, youth exchanges, healthcare and higher education, with tourism cooperation among the signed initiatives. Macao Visitor Economy Boost: The ZAPE Consumption Festival (Sept 11–19) will link hotel stays with local spending, offering eligible guests MOP100 in electronic vouchers to use across about 300 district businesses. MICE & Luxury Travel Signal: India’s MILT Congress 2026 wrapped in Goa after 2,000+ pre-scheduled meetings, highlighting growing outbound MICE and luxury demand—useful context for Macau’s meetings market. Cross-border Travel Flow: Hengqin Port’s “one-stop lanes” recorded 2.606 million vehicle crossings Jan–Jul (+40% YoY), with Macao plates making up 66%, a clear sign of rising regional mobility. Wynn Macau Performance: Wynn Resorts’ Q2 results showed strong Macau momentum, with Wynn Palace revenue up 21% YoY, while the UAE’s Wynn Al Marjan Island opening was set for Sept 2027. Family Travel & Leisure: NOVA Mall launched a JOGUMAN “Macau Vacation” campaign with themed play areas and TurboJET-linked activities, targeting summer visitors and families.

Wynn Resorts & Macau Tourism: Wynn reported stronger Q2 results, citing solid demand in Macau and record adjusted earnings in Las Vegas, while confirming Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah will open in September 2027 after an Iran-war-linked cost and logistics hit. Macao–Fujian Travel & Trade: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Fujian business leaders in Fuzhou and the two sides signed new cooperation plans spanning tourism, youth exchanges, culture, healthcare and university links, with a focus on Hengqin opportunities. Big Local Visitor Push: The 2026 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair opens Aug 6–9 at The Venetian Macao, with wellness and eldercare themes and a record exhibitor turnout. Hotel Guest Perks: The ZAPE Consumption Festival runs Sept 11–19, offering participating hotel guests MOP100 in vouchers to spend locally. Community & Learning: USJ hosted a regional Service-Learning Student Summit 2026, with top winners set to travel to Rome for a Vatican symposium. Family Travel Planning: DSEC is running the 2026 Population By-Census through Aug 15, with online submissions open until Aug 10.

UAE Tourism & Resorts: Wynn Resorts pushed back Wynn Al Marjan Island’s opening to September 2027 after Middle East-linked construction delays, with the UAE’s first licensed casino resort planned for Ras Al Khaimah. Macau Gaming Outlook: Seaport Research expects Macau GGR to rebound in August (up about 4.5% y/y) and accelerate in September (about +11% y/y) as post-World Cup demand normalizes. Macao–Fujian Travel & Business Ties: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Fujian enterprises in Fuzhou, urging them to seize opportunities in Macao and Hengqin, while the 5th Fujian–Macao Cooperation Conference signed deals spanning tourism, culture, youth exchanges, and healthcare. Shopping & Local Spend: The 2026 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair opens Aug 6–9 at The Venetian Macao with a silver-economy and healthy-living focus, while the ZAPE Consumption Festival (Sept 11–19) offers hotel guests MOP100 in vouchers to boost district spending. Family-Friendly Macau Leisure: NOVA Mall’s summer JOGUMAN Macau Vacation campaign runs through Aug 31 with themed play, photo spots, and a TurboJET vessel tie-up. Visitor Planning Note: DSEC says Population By-Census data collection runs until Aug 15, with online submissions open through Aug 10.

Macau–Fujian Ties: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Fujian leaders in Fuzhou and backed a new chapter for Fujian–Macao cooperation, with tourism and eco-development on the agenda. Tourism & Culture: The 5th Fujian–Macao Cooperation Conference wrapped in Fuzhou as both sides pushed deeper people-to-people links and joint cultural initiatives. Travel Retail in Macao: NOVA Mall launched a JOGUMAN “Macau Vacation - LEMONADE PLAYLAND” campaign with photo spots, interactive games, and a TurboJET themed vessel tie-up. Visitor Economy: Wynn Resorts beat quarterly estimates on Macau strength and said its UAE casino resort Wynn Al Marjan is on track for a September 2027 opening. Macao Policy Watch: Macau plans tougher rules on parallel trading, aiming to upgrade organized schemes and recruiting into harsher legal treatment. Beach Access Dispute: A complaint filed by Sergio Carlo alleges Dreams Macao Punta Cana improperly restricted public beach access for weddings and photo shoots. What’s Next for Travelers: Seaport Research expects Macau GGR to rebound in August and accelerate in September as World Cup disruption fades.

Macau Tourism & Culture: MGTO will roll out new community photo walkways with original Macau tourism IP next month in ZAPE and San Kio, adding themed installations (including Cantonese opera art spots and a maritime history display at Pier No. 25). Tourism Policy: Macau plans to tighten laws on parallel trading, upgrading organized, group-based schemes from administrative penalties toward criminal or minor offenses, with added focus on recruiting students and false declaration activity. Gaming Outlook: Seaport Research expects Macau GGR to rebound in August (+4.5% YoY) and accelerate in September (+11% YoY) after the World Cup disruption. Cross-border Travel: Hengqin Port surpassed 20 million crossings, with July traffic hitting record highs and mainland visits up strongly—good news for visitor flow into Macau. Travel Retail: DFS launches its 12th “First Class Beauty” campaign across Hong Kong and Macau, with experiential activations at DFS Macau (Galaxy Macau) throughout August. Medical Tourism: iRad Hospital at Studio City was featured on CNN’s “Meanwhile in Asia,” highlighting Macau’s push into medical and wellness tourism beyond gaming. Events & Entertainment: 2026GMBPF opens Thursday 6 August at Cotai Expo (The Venetian Macao), with 459 exhibitors and 80+ supporting activities.

K-pop & Live Events: 82MAJOR brought high-energy fan concert vibes to Macau’s Broadway Theatre on Aug 2, with subway-themed staging, interactive games, and local cover stages—plus a nod to their chart-topping “Sign.” CE & Regional Tourism Links: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai is in Fujian for the 5th Fujian-Macao Cooperation Conference, touring Xiamen’s Wuyuan Bay eco-restoration and Longyan’s “red tourism” sites, underscoring cultural and green tourism ties. Visitor Flow & Cross-Border Travel: Hengqin Port hit 20 million crossings, with July alone topping 2.8 million movements, as more mainland, Macau, and foreign visitors use the Zhuhai-Macau gateway. MGTO Community Experiences: MGTO will roll out original Macau tourism IP photo walkways in ZAPE and San Kio next month, including themed installations tied to local culture. Macau Tourism Outlook: Macau’s casino sector is watching a possible rebound as passenger numbers rise and August services expand, with airport traffic up in the first half of 2026. Medical Tourism Spotlight: iRad Hospital at Studio City was featured by CNN’s “Meanwhile in Asia,” highlighting Macau’s push into medical and wellness tourism beyond gaming. Air Travel Disruption: Vietnam’s Bamboo Airways stopped selling domestic tickets and is shifting to limited charter operations, including group charter links involving Macau. Wellness in Hotels: A new study spotlights how spa therapists’ wellbeing in Macau is shaped by workplace ties, financial security, emotional support, and personal life—not just physical health.

Macau Visitor Momentum: Macau’s airport traffic is up, with nearly 3.9 million passengers through MIA in H1 (up ~8% y/y), and August expected to bring more capacity via extra shuttle services plus a new VIP luxury car option and added express bus lines. Gaming Watch: July gross gaming revenue slipped to MOP20.26b (down 8.4% y/y), with the World Cup blamed, but analysts are pointing to a rebound from August as visitor demand firms up. Cross-Border Convenience: Hengqin Port has topped 20 million crossings (about 50 days ahead of last year), with July alone hitting 2.8 million movements—good news for travelers planning Macau day trips. Tourism Experiences: MGTO will roll out themed community photo walkways and installations next month in ZAPE and San Kio, including Cantonese opera-inspired spots and a maritime history display at Pier No. 25. Medical Tourism Spotlight: iRad Hospital at Studio City was featured on CNN’s “Meanwhile in Asia,” highlighting Macau’s push to grow wellness and health-screening trips alongside leisure stays. Regional Travel Links: China’s Ningbo resumed direct flights to Seoul, and STARLUX launched Taipei–Prague service, adding another premium route for travelers connecting through Macau.

Macau Economy Watch: DSEC says Macau GDP rose 3.7% year-on-year in real terms in H1, with growth driven by expanding service exports and visitor arrivals. Trade & Tourism Signals: External merchandise trade climbed 24.6% to 82.5 billion patacas in H1, while tourism (including gaming) remains the territory’s key engine. Cross-Border Travel: Hong Kong’s Transport Department opens 1,400 regular HZMB quotas for private cars to Macao from Aug 7, aiming to make better use of bridge capacity. Smart Payments & Visitor Experience: A Kyung Hee University study says Macau’s tourism is strong on walkability and friendliness, but international visitors still face friction with payment options. Health & Safety for Visitors: From Aug 15, Macau Hospital Authority family medicine clinic phone bookings will only accept calls with caller ID to protect patient privacy. Regional Travel Moves: Oman launches a free 14-day tourist visa category (eligible-country list pending); Ningbo resumes direct flights to Seoul; Taichung’s route expansion is boosting outbound group-tour demand. Bars & Hospitality: Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 spotlighted Macau-hosted awards, with Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace hosting the event again.

IFC Mall Foodie Stop: Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is bringing back its Cake Shop pop-up at IFC Mall, led by executive pastry chef Ringo Chan, with daily bakes including baked Japanese cheese tarts (vanilla and Kyoto matcha) plus weekday breakfast grab-and-go items. Macau Tourism & Money Moves: Macau’s H1 GDP rose 3.7% and external merchandise trade climbed 24.6% to 82.5 billion patacas, with services exports and visitor arrivals cited as key drivers. Cross-Border Driving: Hong Kong’s 1,400 regular HZMB quotas for private cars to Macao open for application from Aug 7, aiming to make better use of bridge capacity. Wellness in Hotels (Local Angle): A new study spotlights how spa therapists’ wellbeing in Macau hotels is shaped by workplace relationships, financial security, emotional support, and personal life—not just physical health. Hospital Booking Privacy: From Aug 15, Macau Family Medicine Clinics’ telephone appointment system will only accept calls with caller ID to better protect patient data. Macau Nightlife Spotlight: Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace hosted Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026, reinforcing Macao’s position as a regional gastronomy hub.