AGP Executive Report

Hotel & MICE Sustainability: Galaxy Entertainment Group says multiple hotel brands and MICE facilities have renewed EarthCheck certifications, with Banyan Tree Macau upgraded to Platinum and Galaxy Hotel to Gold. Cotai Luxury Relaunch: The former “The 13 Hotel” is now “The 13 Palace,” unveiling a gold exterior and preparing for limited trial operations from June 27 with 199 villa-style suites and expanded dining. Border Travel Ease: Macau will extend “face scan” smart clearance (no document presentation via e-channels) to the Qingmao and HZMB Macau-Zhuhai joint checkpoints, building on Hengqin’s earlier rollout. APEC Tourism Spotlight: Macau hosts the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting this week, with the city pitching its heritage-plus-leisure travel appeal to delegates. Macao-ASEAN Business Push: Macau’s ASEAN chamber highlights Vietnam as a key investment and tourism bridge, aiming to link the Greater Bay Area with Southeast Asia. Visitor Services for Summer: Macau International Airport offers 50% parking discounts for holiday departures from next month through Aug 31, capped at five consecutive days. Musical Tourism Calendar: The 44th Macao Young Musicians Competition schedule is out (July 25–Aug 2, with a Special Prize on Aug 6), with venues across UTM Mong-Há and Coloane. Cross-border Spending Trend: A Visa study finds GBA trips are getting shorter and more frequent, with digital wallets driving repeat travel—Macau is among the frequently visited destinations. MFTF Halal Travel Fair: Malaysia’s MATTA Muslim Friendly Travel Fair returns July 4–5 in Kuala Lumpur, signaling continued momentum in halal tourism demand.

Smart Border Travel: “Face Scan” Smart Immigration Clearance is being extended to Qingmao Port and the Zhuhai-Macao Bridge’s Zhuhai-Macao Hall joint inspection channels from 26 June, building on Hengqin’s earlier rollout. APEC Tourism in Macao: Macao kicks off the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting this week (24–28 June), with the opening ceremony on Saturday and the APEC Tourism Working Group Meeting running today and tomorrow. Visitor Numbers & Weather Watch: Macao has surpassed 20 million visitors since Jan 1 (about 116,000 a day), but the casino sector is bracing for Typhoon Mekkhala as it approaches. Tour Spend Push: MGTO is partnering with e-payment platforms in key markets (South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong) to boost visitor spending with promotions tied to events and holidays. Heritage & Culture: A feature highlights Macao’s “heritage, leisure and opportunity” appeal ahead of APEC delegates, while a June 24 story revisits why the city’s Day of the City matters. Events for Families: The 44th Macao Young Musicians Competition schedule is out (25 July–2 Aug, with a Special Prize on 6 Aug). Travel Convenience: Macau International Airport offers 50% parking discounts for summer holiday departures (from next month to 31 Aug, up to five consecutive days).

APEC Tourism in Macau: The US sent no high-level officials to the Apec tourism ministerial meeting in Macau, citing China’s visa curbs on US diplomats’ emergency consular access. Music & Travel Planning: The 44th Macao Young Musicians Competition (July 25–Aug 2) has a provisional schedule and nearly 1,100 applications; in-person registration is required, so families should plan venue travel early. Hotel Update: Macau’s “The 13 Hotel” has been renamed “The 13 Palace” after renovation, with 199 villa-style suites and a relaunch push. Visitor Numbers vs Weather: Macau has topped 20 million visitors since Jan 1, but casino sales are expected to feel pressure as Typhoon Mekkhala approaches. Spending Boost: MGTO is partnering with e-payment platforms in South Korea, Thailand and Hong Kong to drive visitor spending with seasonal promotions. APEC Week Logistics: Macau’s 13th Apec Tourism Ministerial Meeting runs June 24–28, with the tourism working group meeting starting June 24. Summer Deals: Macau International Airport offers 50% parking discounts for eligible departures during the summer holiday period. Cross-border Travel Trend: China’s Dragon Boat holiday saw cross-border travel jump 12.9% to 6.67 million trips, signaling strong regional mobility.

APEC Tourism Countdown: Delegates are already arriving in Macao for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28), with the Tourism Working Group meeting running June 24–25 and the opening ceremony set for Saturday, as the SAR confirms venues, receptions and security are ready. Visitor Surge: Macau has topped 20 million visitor arrivals in 2026, hitting the milestone 18 days ahead of last year, with PSP data pointing to strong mainland and regional demand. Hotel Market Watch: May five-star room rates in Macau stayed flat year-on-year at about US$193 (MOP1,555.7) while occupancy slipped slightly, and industry voices warn peninsula hotels face added pressure from new supply and guests shifting to Zhuhai/Hengqin. MGTO Spend Boost: MGTO is teaming up with e-payment platforms in South Korea, Thailand and Hong Kong (Naver Pay, TrueMoney, AlipayHK) to drive visitor spending via promotions through year-end. New Stay Option: Macau’s The 13 Hotel has been renamed “The 13 Palace” after renovation, with 199 villa-style suites and a refreshed relaunch plan. On-the-ground Convenience: Macau International Airport offers 50% parking discounts from next month through Aug 31 for up to five consecutive days for departing passengers.

APEC Tourism in Macao: Delegates are arriving for the 67th APEC Tourism Working Group Meeting (June 24-25) ahead of the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Macao (June 24-28), with venues, receptions and security now in place. MGTO Boosts Spend: The Macau Government Tourism Office is partnering with e-payment platforms in South Korea (Naver Pay), Thailand (TrueMoney) and Hong Kong (AlipayHK) to run travel spending incentives and consumption campaigns through year-end. Education Push in Hengqin: Macao is accelerating plans for the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, with the first phase due to start operations in August for about 1,300 postgraduate students, and a second phase targeted for 2029. Visitor Numbers Stay Strong: Macau logged 20 million visitor arrivals 18 days earlier than last year, with May arrivals up 3.4% year-on-year to 3,487,994. Hotel Market Pressure: Industry leaders say peninsula hotels face softer demand as new room supply grows and more visitors choose Zhuhai/Hengqin stays, while Cotai remains steadier. Culture & Heritage: A new Cultural Week edition links Macau, Qinghai and Beijing (June 27-July 10), and the Na Tcha Temple’s inheritor Ip Tat was highlighted in an interview on intangible heritage succession.

Macao Tourism Push: Macao is set to host the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (24–28 June), with MGTO saying it’s a chance to showcase the city’s cultural depth and innovation projects under “one country, two systems.” Visitor Numbers Surge: Macao hit 20 million visitor arrivals in 2026 on Saturday afternoon—18 days earlier than last year—averaging 116,000 per day, with the biggest shares from the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan. May Travel Snapshot: DSEC data shows 3,487,994 arrivals in May (+3.4% y/y), with same-day visitors up but overnight stays slightly down; international arrivals rose modestly. Hotel Pressure: Macau peninsula hotels are feeling the squeeze as room supply grows and more guests choose Zhuhai/Hengqin, while Cotai fares better. Spending Incentives: MGTO is rolling out e-payment-linked travel consumption promotions with partners in South Korea, Thailand and Hong Kong to boost demand. Cultural Week Returns: The 18th China–Portuguese-speaking Countries Cultural Week runs 27 June–10 July, linking Macau, Qinghai and Beijing. Cross-border Holiday Boom: During China’s Dragon Boat Festival, cross-border trips reached 6.67 million (+12.9% y/y), with Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan residents driving a strong jump.

Macau Visitor Boom: Macau has topped 20 million visitor arrivals in 2026, reaching the milestone 18 days earlier than last year, with the Public Security Police reporting an average of 116,000 arrivals per day and mainland China still the biggest source market. APEC Tourism Push: Macau is set to host the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (24–28 June), with MGTO saying the event is a chance to showcase Macau’s hospitality, cuisine, creative industries and “Tourism+” approach. Dragon Boat Travel Surge (China): During China’s Dragon Boat Festival holiday, cross-border trips hit 6.67 million (+12.9% y/y), and trips by Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents rose sharply (+18.4%). Cross-border Connectivity (GZ-HK-Macao): The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge handled about 64,000 vehicle trips over the festival period (+7.6% y/y), with higher northbound traffic from Hong Kong and Macao. Macau Cultural Spotlight: The 18th China–Portuguese-speaking Countries Cultural Week will run from this Saturday to 10 July, with events linked across Macau, Qinghai and Beijing. Travel Safety Watch: Health authorities reported influenza A and B cases in Macau, with one 87-year-old fatality and another 73-year-old in critical condition.

Cross-border travel surge: China logged about 6.67 million cross-border trips during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, up 12.9% year-on-year, with trips by Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents rising 18.4%. Macao visitor momentum: Macau hit 20 million visitor arrivals in 2026 on Saturday afternoon—18 days earlier than 2025—driven by an average of 116,000 visitors a day (+10.2% YoY). May arrivals update: Macau visitor arrivals rose 3.4% YoY to 3,487,994 in May, with mainland China up 4.2% and Taiwan up 18.9%. APEC tourism spotlight: Macau will host the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (24–28 June) plus the 67th Tourism Working Group meeting, with MGTO saying staff training and sideline events are underway to showcase hospitality, cuisine and creative industries. Macao–Hengqin lifestyle ties: A new feature highlights how more than 30,000 Macao residents now live and work in Hengqin, with journeys under 40 minutes. Dragon Boat sports tourism: The 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races wrapped up, with China Nanhai Jiujiang defending both open and women’s titles.

Visitor Surge: Macau hit 20 million visitor arrivals in 2026 as of Saturday, 18 days ahead of last year, with a daily average of 116,000; mainland China remains the biggest source (14.639m), followed by Hong Kong (3.461m), Taiwan (541,000) and foreign markets (1.363m). Tourism Diplomacy: Macau will host the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28) plus the 67th APEC Tourism Working Group Meeting, with MGTO saying the city will showcase hospitality, cuisine, creative industries and the China-West cultural blend. Dragon Boat Spotlight: The 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races wrapped up at Nam Van Lake, with China Nanhai Jiujiang defending both Open and Women’s titles and setting a new Open record. Tech & Travel Retail: Narraid’s Mandarin AI audio learning service for frontline travel retail staff has gone live across mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, aiming to close staff product-knowledge gaps. Digital Policy Watch: AI symposium voices concern that Macau’s cloud restrictions and on-premise data rules could slow AI adoption versus regional rivals. Culture on the Move: Film shooting locations in Shanghai are drawing tourists, with Wukang Mansion and related sets turning into photo stops.

Macao Tourism & Events: The 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races wrapped up at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, with China Nanhai Jiujiang defending the Open and Women’s titles and setting a new event record, while Tianjin University of Sport won the university race; the event also welcomed a Hengqin team for the first time, pushing Macao–Hengqin cultural exchange. APEC Tourism Prep: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28), with the Macao Government Tourism Office saying preparations include staff training and sideline events, aiming to showcase Macao’s “One Centre” tourism strengths. Digital Tourism Challenge: Tech leaders warn Macao’s AI push could be slowed by rules that bar integrated resort operators from using standard public cloud services, forcing on-premise setups under data residency requirements. Travel Retail Tech: Narraid’s Mandarin AI audio learning service for frontline travel retail staff has gone live across mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, turning brand content into short podcast-style episodes to close staff knowledge gaps. Regional Travel Context: During the Duanwu Festival holiday, China expects heavy movement, with border crossings near Hong Kong and Macao among the busiest as holiday bookings for flights and hotel packages surge.

APEC Tourism Prep: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28), with the Tourism Office saying preparations include staff training and sideline events, and that the city will use the platform to showcase its “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure” strengths. Dragon Boat Spotlight: The 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races wrapped up at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, with China Nanhai Jiujiang defending Open and Women’s titles and a Hengqin team making its debut—plus a lakeside “Art Everywhere” carnival theme tying sport to local culture. Digital Tourism Challenge: Tech leaders warn Macau’s AI ambitions could be slowed by strict rules that block integrated resort operators from using standard public cloud services, forcing costly on-premise setups and creating a competitive gap versus nearby hubs. Food & Leisure: Wynn Palace’s Lakeview Palace at Macau is rolling out a new Jiangnan menu end of June, leaning into a “Huaiyang–Cantonese Confluence” concept with performance-lake views. Regional Business Links: A Macao business delegation met China’s consul general in Ho Chi Minh City to deepen trade, investment and tourism ties with Vietnam, including practical talks on visas for Vietnamese visitors. Travel Safety Reminder: After storm warnings are lifted, Macau’s labour authorities urge employers to make flexible, safety-first work arrangements.

Duanwu Festival Travel Surge: China braces for peak holiday demand as Saturday traffic hits about 19 million rail trips (with extra trains) and expressways see roughly 39.8 million vehicle trips, while waterways also rise. Macao Dragon Boat Spotlight: The SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races wrapped up at Nam Van Lake with Nanhai Jiujiang defending Open and Women’s titles, blending dragon-boat heritage with a lakeside “Art Everywhere” carnival feel. APEC Tourism Prep: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28), with staff training and sideline events planned to showcase the city’s hospitality, cuisine, and culture. Digital Tourism Challenge: Tech leaders warn Macau’s AI plans may lag because integrated resort operators can’t use standard public cloud services and must run on-premise systems. Getting Around Macau: MGTO and the LRT launched the Mak Mak-themed train, turning Taipa’s line into a “mobile photo spot” running until mid-December. Cross-Boundary Outlook: Mainland border crossings are forecast to reach about 2.2 million per day during the holiday, with heavy flow expected near Hong Kong and Macao. Wellness & Awards: Galaxy Macau collected six Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards, including “Best Hotel Pool in Macau,” while Six Senses Laamu earned top family-resort recognition in the Maldives.

Dragon Boat Festival in Macau: The SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races 2026 wrapped up at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, with China Nanhai Jiujiang defending Open and Women’s titles and setting a new Open event record, while Tianjin University of Sport won the university category; the event also added “Art Everywhere” lakeside carnival vibes to blend culture, sport and leisure. APEC Tourism Prep: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28), with staff training and sideline events underway, aiming to showcase Macao’s hospitality, cuisine and creative industries. Macau Travel Tech Watch: AI leaders at a symposium warned Macau’s digital ambitions may lag because integrated resort operators are restricted from using standard public cloud services, pushing costly on-premise setups. Wellness & Hotels Roundup: A global wellness-resort trend story highlights longer stays, preventive health and recovery-focused communities—plus more family-friendly luxury hotel ideas. Festival Travel Demand (China): China saw peak passenger flow on the first day of the Duanwu holiday, with 235 million cross-regional trips reported and major transport hubs busy. Mak Mak on the Rails: MGTO and the LRT operator launched Macau’s first Mak Mak-themed train, turning the carriage into a “mobile photo spot” for visitors.

APEC Tourism Push: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28), with MGTO saying preparations include staff training and sideline events—an opportunity to showcase Macao’s hospitality, cuisine and “One Centre” tourism vision. City Branding on Rails: MGTO and Macau LRT launched a Mak Mak-themed Taipa Line train running through Dec 14, turning the carriage into a “mobile photo spot” featuring UNESCO heritage, gastronomy and major events. Holiday Culture & Cinema: Dragon Boat Festival holiday moviegoers get a big lineup on the mainland, and Chinese hit “Dear You” expands its release to Hong Kong and Macao plus Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei—fueling regional cultural travel. Tech & Tourism Competitiveness: AI and resort tech leaders warn Macau’s strict cloud/data rules force on-premise setups, raising costs and slowing innovation versus regional rivals. Regional Business Links: A Macao business delegation met China’s consul general in Ho Chi Minh City to deepen Vietnam ties, including tourism and visa facilitation discussions. Luxury Hospitality Buzz: Galaxy Macau collected six Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026 honours, including “Best Hotel Pool in Macau.”

APEC Tourism Build-Up: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28), with the Macao Government Tourism Office saying staff training and sideline events are well underway, positioning the city to showcase hospitality, cuisine, creative industries and East-meets-West culture. Motorsport & Mobility Spotlight: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem says next week’s FIA conference in Macau (at Galaxy International Convention Centre) will help shape the future of motorsport and sustainable mobility, drawing 450+ delegates from 149 countries. Tourism Networking Win: Skål International Kuala Lumpur was named Skål International Asia Club of the Year 2026 at the Skål Asia Congress in Macau, a first for the club since 1958. Getting Around in Style: MGTO and Macau LRT launched the Mak Mak-themed Taipa Line train running until Dec 14, turning the carriage into an “insta-worthy” photo spot with UNESCO and gastronomy visuals. Hospitality Awards: Galaxy Macau picked up six Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards APAC 2026 honours, including “Best Hotel Pool in Macau.” Local Travel Tips: After storm warnings are cancelled, the Labour Department urges employers to arrange flexible work and remote options where possible. Cross-border Travel Rush: Mainland border crossings are expected to peak during the Dragon Boat Festival, with heavy traffic likely near Hong Kong and Macao.

APEC Tourism Prep: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28), with the Tourism Office saying staff training, sideline events, and cross-agency coordination are well underway—positioning the city to showcase hospitality, cuisine, creative industries, and East-meets-West culture. Luxury Stays & Offers: Galaxy Macau picked up multiple Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards APAC 2026, including “Best Hotel Pool in Macau,” while Versa Hospitality launched “Versa Keys,” a tiered loyalty programme rolling out Oct 1, 2026. Air Connectivity: dnata has started inflight catering for Air Macau at Singapore Changi, adding about 54,000 meals annually and expanding Air China Group coverage in Singapore. Getting Around in Macau: MGTO and Macau LRT launched a “Mak Mak” themed Taipa Line train running until Dec 14, designed as a moving photo spot for visitors. Events in the Calendar: Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals Macau 2026 will be held July 22–26 at the Macau East Asian Games Dome, with tickets starting June 18. Regional Travel Watch: Hong Kong issued guidance to plan cross-boundary trips around the Tuen Ng Festival holiday due to heavier traffic and longer waits.