AGP Executive Report

Taipa Urban Upgrade: Macau’s Taipa Northern Zone plan is revised to shift from profit-first density to “liveability first,” with higher green space standards and prioritised flood control—aimed at making the area more tourism- and business-friendly. Macao-Hengqin Talent Push: The 4th Forum for Rectors of higher education institutions from China and Portuguese-speaking countries opens in Macao, spotlighting Macao–Hengqin synergy to train Chinese–Portuguese international talent. Festival Photos in Taipa: The 26th Macao Lotus Flower Festival is underway at the Taipa Houses Museum (June 12–July 17), drawing visitors for lotus-themed photo moments. Tourism Culture Meets Sport: SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races 2026 kicked off at Nam Van Lake, with SJM Golden Jubilee A and SJM Lotus A taking early titles as the weekend carnival vibe grows. New Interport Youth Competition: Macau hosted its first HK–Macau Beyblade intercity tournament, selecting eight players for the Macau team ahead of the next grand championship. Cross-border Travel Boost: Hengqin Port vehicle crossings topped 2 million this year, up 42.4%, showing stronger Guangdong–Macao integration for travellers. Transport Link for Flyers: TurboJET will relocate the Macau–Shenzhen airport ferry route to Taipa Ferry Terminal to better match Cotai event and hotel demand. World Cup Fun at Lisboeta: Lisboeta Macau launched a free “Classic Revival: World Football History Exhibition” running to July 19 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Macao Lotus Flower Festival: Tourists flocked to the Taipa Houses Museum as the 26th Macao Lotus Flower Festival runs from June 12 to July 17, turning the heritage site into a photo hotspot. Cotai Football Fun: Lisboeta Macau in Cotai opened a free “Classic Revival: World Football History Exhibition” running until July 19, with interactive zones and a Pelé tribute ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Transport for Trips: TurboJET will move the Macau–Shenzhen airport ferry route to Taipa Ferry Terminal from June 15, aiming to make it easier for visitors to reach Cotai resorts and events. Family & Youth Events: The first Hong Kong–Macao Beyblade interport competition kicked off at New Yaohan, selecting Macau players for the next grand championship. Culture Meets Sports: SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races 2026 started at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, with SJM Golden Jubilee A and SJM Lotus A taking early titles. Tourism Industry Pulse: Macau hotel leaders say summer occupancy should rebound from mid-July despite a slower June.

Travel & Transport: TurboJET is moving the Macau–Shenzhen Baoan airport ferry from Outer Harbour to Taipa Ferry Terminal starting today, with multiple daily sailings designed to match Cotai hotel travel patterns. Aviation & Routes: Air Macau will relaunch Macau–Manila on 2 July (five weekly flights at set times) and add a summer Macau–Fukuoka service from 1 July to 31 August. Tourism & Events: Lisboeta Macau in Cotai has opened a free “Classic Revival: World Football History Exhibition” running to 19 July for the FIFA World Cup period. Family Fun & Youth Sports: Macau hosted its first HK–Macao Beyblade tournament, selecting eight players for the Macau team heading to Hong Kong. Culture & Heritage: “City in Rephotography” opens at the Archives of Macao with guided Cantonese tours on weekends through 30 September; Skal Asia Congress also runs in Macao this week. Local Jobs & Skills: DSAL launches new Macau youth finance internship pathways with mainland firms in Hengqin, plus a separate cross-border finance internship plan in Guangzhou. Health Watch: Macau reports a new Legionnaires’ disease case (9 so far this year), with environmental sampling planned. Visitor Planning: Macau hotel leaders expect a July–August rebound after a slower June.

Macau Careers & Skills: The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) opens applications on June 15 for a 12-week internship scheme placing young Macau residents in Hengqin mainland firms that do business with Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets, with 15 placements across areas like business operations and finance. Culture Meets Tourism: The “City in Rephotography” exhibition opens at the Archives of Macao, pairing historic photos with modern re-shoots, plus Cantonese guided tours running weekends through late September. Tourism Industry Networking: Skal International Asia Congress returns to Macao (June 11–14), spotlighting the city’s “tourism +” mix and drawing delegates from across Asia and beyond. On-the-Ground Events: SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races 2026 kicks off at Nam Van Lake, with SJM Golden Jubilee A winning the 200m open category and SJM Lotus A taking the women’s title; the 500m races follow June 14. Cross-border Travel Convenience: Cathay Cargo extends its Air-Land Fresh Lane for perishables to Macao, aiming for faster cold-chain delivery via Hong Kong under a single air waybill. Hotel Watch: Macau Hotel Association vice chairman Rutger Verschuren says June is slow, but July (especially mid-to-late) and August should bring stronger room-night growth.

Yacht Tourism Push: Mainland China will exempt leisure vessels from customs guarantees and allow temporary nationality registrations for Hong Kong- and Macau-linked yachts, opening the door to two-way yacht tourism across Greater Bay Area waters—now Hong Kong has to fix infrastructure and red tape fast. Macau Culture & Sports: The SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races 2026 kicked off at Nam Van Lake, with SJM Golden Jubilee A winning the men’s 200m open title and SJM Lotus A taking the women’s 200m; the 500m races run tomorrow. Youth & Jobs in Macau: Macau’s Labour Affairs Bureau launched a cross-border finance internship plan with Luso International Banking for young locals, offering 10 four-week placements in Guangzhou (cross-border finance, wealth management, investment banking). Travel Convenience at HZMB: Hong Kong’s “Seamless e-Channel” at the HZMB Hong Kong Boundary Crossing starts 25 June 2026, letting eligible residents clear departure using AI facial recognition without showing IDs or QR codes. Summer Travel Outlook: Macau hotel leaders say June is slow but expect a pickup from mid-July into August, with strong Asian demand helping room nights. Health Watch: Macau reported a 61-year-old Legionnaires’ disease case linked to mainland travel; health officials will collect environmental samples to trace the source. Air Connectivity: Air Macau will resume Manila flights from 2 July (five weekly flights) and relaunch the Macau–Fukuoka route for the summer peak. UN Tourism Networking: MGTO attended UN Tourism Executive Council meetings in Spain to boost Macao’s international visibility and exchange. Cambodia Visa-Free for Macau Passports: Cambodia will trial visa-free entry for Chinese nationals (including Macau SAR passport holders) from 15 June to 15 October, with an e-Arrival Card required. Local Events: The “City in Rephotography” Archives of Macao photo exhibition opens, and Skal International Asia Congress returns to Macao this week.

Macao Travel & Tourism: Skal International Asia Congress opened in Macao this week, spotlighting the city’s “tourism +” strengths as an international meeting point for tourism professionals. Macao Culture: “City in Rephotography—Exhibition of Historical Photographs from the Archives of Macao” opened, pairing historic shots with modern rephotographs and adding Cantonese guided tours through late September. Cross-Border Travel: Hong Kong’s Immigration Department will roll out a “Seamless e-Channel” at HZMB from 25 June 2026, letting eligible Hong Kong residents clear departure using AI facial recognition without showing an ID card or QR code. Air Connectivity: Air Macau will resume the Macau–Manila route on 2 July (five flights weekly at first) and relaunch Macau–Fukuoka for the summer peak. Hotel Outlook: Macau’s hotel sector expects a summer pickup from mid-July after a softer June, with occupancy improving into July and August. Shopping & Safety: Hong Kong customs seized 230,000 suspected counterfeit items worth about US$20m ahead of the World Cup, including 30,000 jerseys. Regional Travel Perk: Cambodia will grant visa-free entry for Chinese passport holders (including Macau SAR passport holders) from 15 June to 15 October for up to 14 days per entry.

Macao Culture & Archives: The “City in Rephotography—Exhibition of Historical Photographs from the Archives of Macao” opens in Macao, pairing old shots with modern rephotographs and adding Cantonese guided tours on weekends (13 Jun–30 Sep). Macao Tourism Business: Skal International Asia Congress kicks off in Macao (11–14 Jun), spotlighting the city’s “tourism +” strengths as an international meeting point. Macao Travel Access: Hong Kong’s Seamless e-Channel at HZMB starts 25 Jun, letting eligible Hong Kong permanent residents clear departure using AI facial recognition without showing an ID card or QR code. Macao Events: The 26th Macao Lotus Flower Festival begins 12 Jun (Taipa), with thousands of lotus pots and photo-friendly installations running to 17 Jul. Air Connectivity: Air Macau will resume Manila flights from 2 Jul (five days weekly) and relaunch the Macau–Fukuoka route for the summer peak (1 Jul–31 Aug). Health & Safety: SSM reports Macau’s 9th Legionnaires’ disease case this year; the patient recently visited relatives on the Chinese mainland. Travel Trade: MGTO joins UN Tourism Executive Council meetings in Spain to boost Macao’s international exchange. Visitor Planning: Cambodia offers visa-free entry for Chinese passport holders (including Macau SAR passport holders) from 15 Jun–15 Oct, up to 14 days per entry.

New Routes for Visitors: Air Macau will relaunch its Macau–Manila service on July 2 (five flights weekly at set times), and add a summer Macau–Fukuoka route from July 1 to Aug 31 (three flights weekly), giving travellers more options for tourism, business and family trips. Health Watch: The Health Bureau reported Macau’s 9th Legionnaires’ disease case this year—a 61-year-old man in stable condition after returning from the Chinese mainland; officials will collect environmental samples to trace the source. Family-Friendly Culture: Tickets go on sale from June 14 for the 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival (June 30–Aug), with performances and an “Art Camp” welcoming residents and tourists. Seasonal Sights: The 26th Lotus Flower Festival starts June 12 in Taipa (Avenida da Praia), running to July 17 with 9,000+ lotus pots and photo-friendly installations. Tourism & Stays: Macau Hotel Association vice chairman Rutger Verschuren says June is slow but expects July’s second half and most of August to lift room nights, despite competitive rates. Tech at the Border: From June 25, eligible Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge regular users can use “seamless” e-channels with facial recognition for faster departure clearance. World Cup Buzz in Macau: Lisboeta Macau opens “Classic Revival: World Football History Exhibition” (June 10–July 19) with 70+ football relics and interactive photo spots.

Macau Food & Culture: A new spotlight on Macanese cuisine highlights how Portuguese, African and Asian influences shaped the city’s UNESCO-recognised culinary heritage, with tourists encouraged to try authentic local fusion dishes. FIFA World Cup Travel Watch: MGTO urges Macao residents heading to Canada, Mexico and the U.S. for the 2026 World Cup to plan ahead and stay alert to safety risks. Fast Immigration Upgrade: From 11 June, eligible non-resident workers and non-resident students in Macao can use the iris automated clearance service, expanding the city’s faster border flow. World Cup in Cotai: Lisboeta Macau’s “Classic Revival: World Football History Exhibition” opens ahead of the tournament, featuring 70+ football artefacts and Pelé memorabilia with interactive photo spots. Local Transport Tweaks: MGTO and partners will optimise the Tourism & Leisure Bus routes and frequencies, including a new two-way Macau Peninsula–Cotai service and expanded weekend coverage for Zape. Anti-Illegal Betting Warning: Judiciary Police warn youth about scams and illegal football betting networks using social media and messaging apps. Arts & Heritage: The Archives of Macao launches a free “City in Rephotography” photo exhibition running through 30 September.

World Cup in Cotai: Lisboeta Macau has opened “Classic Revival: World Football History Exhibition,” a free, interactive display running to July 19 with 70+ items, Pelé tributes and photo spots, timed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. MGTO Travel Safety: MGTO urges Macao residents heading to Canada, Mexico and the U.S. to plan ahead, watch for safety risks, and use the tourism hotline if help is needed. Immigration Upgrade: From June 11, eligible non-resident workers and non-resident students in Macao can use the iris automated clearance service at six checkpoints. Tourism by Rail & Road: Macau’s Tourism & Leisure Bus gets route and frequency tweaks, including a new two-way “Macau Peninsula to Cotai” route and expanded weekend service for Zape. Anti-Smoking Push: Lawmakers passed the outline to expand outdoor smoking bans, ban e-cigarettes in public spaces, and allow inspectors to use body cams. Sports Betting Warning: Judiciary Police warn of illegal World Cup betting targeting youth via social media, messaging apps and “free tips,” urging the public to report suspicious activity. Portugal Day & Community: The Chief Executive highlighted Portugal Day and the Portuguese community’s role, reaffirming Macao’s platform role for China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Art in Cotai: GalaxyArt at Galaxy Macau launched “Dazzling Galaxy – Crystalline Art Exhibition” (over 60 works) running to Sept 13.

ETIAS Update for Europe Trips: From late 2026, travellers from 59 visa-free countries (including the UK, US, Canada and Australia) will need ETIAS authorisation before entering Spain and other Schengen states. It’s tied to the passport used in the application, so renewals after approval mean you must reapply; passports must also be issued within 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after departure. World Cup in Macau: Macau Slot has opened “Classic Revival: World Football History Exhibition” at Lisboeta (10 Jun–19 Jul), with 70+ historic items and interactive photo spots ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Macau Anti-Smoking Push: Lawmakers passed the outline to expand Macau’s smoking ban to more outdoor areas, ban e-cigarettes in public spaces, and allow inspectors to use body cams. Tourism Transport Tweaks: Macau’s Tourism & Leisure Bus will add a new two-way “Macau Peninsula to Cotai” route and extend the Zape service to regular weekends. Local Culture & Heritage: Archives of Macao launches a free “City in Rephotography” photo exhibition (from 13 Jun) running to 30 Sep. Safety Watch for Fans: Judiciary Police warn of illegal World Cup betting luring youth via social media, messaging apps and “free tips,” urging people to report suspicious activity. Connectivity Boost: Delta launched daily nonstop Hong Kong–Los Angeles flights, using the A350-900.

Tour Transport Update: Macau’s Tourism and Leisure Bus gets route and frequency tweaks on Saturday, including a new two-way “Macau Peninsula to Cotai” service with extra community drop-offs, plus the Zape route moving from holiday-only to regular weekend runs. Local Culture & Archives: The Archives of Macao opens a free “City in Rephotography” photo exhibition this Friday, running through Sept 30, with “then and now” images of Macau’s historic transformations. Public Health Law: Lawmakers unanimously passed an outline bill to toughen Macau’s anti-smoking rules, expanding outdoor bans, banning e-cigarettes in all public spaces, and allowing anti-smoking inspectors to use body-worn cameras. Macao Events & Learning: UM, MPU and UTM will co-host the 35th AULP Annual Meeting in Macao from June 15–17, focusing on university collaboration and the Portuguese language as a cultural bridge. Arts in Cotai: GalaxyArt at Galaxy Macau launches “Dazzling Galaxy – Crystalline Art Exhibition,” featuring 60+ works running until Sept 13. Tourism Flow & Congestion: Coloane neighborhood groups propose turning the former Coloane Prison site into a tour-bus parking area to ease summer bottlenecks around Largo do Presidente António Ramalho Eanes. Gaming Outlook: CLSA expects Macau gaming growth to slow in 2H 2026 as comparisons get tougher and capex rises.

Macao Travel Policy: The Lai administration is set to tighten rules on travel to China for Taiwanese government officials, expanding bans beyond central posts to local government roles and moving toward more centralized approval under the Mainland Affairs Council. Macao Tourism & Culture: Galaxy Entertainment Group has opened “Dazzling Galaxy – Crystalline Art Exhibition” at GalaxyArt, featuring 60+ translucent, crystalline works by Wu Daijie Art Studio, running until Sept 13. Macao Transport & Access: Macau has awarded the management and operation of the Taipa Ferry Terminal Heliport to Macau Heliport Services Co Ltd, with the facility preparing for helicopter services and potential Greater Bay Area cross-border passenger routes. Macao Visitor Flow: Neighborhood groups in Coloane are urging a plan to convert the former Coloane Prison site into tour-bus parking to ease summer congestion around Largo do Presidente António Ramalho Eanes. Macao Nightlife: “hush! Beach Concerts x Urban Sports Wellfest 2026” returns Nov 14–15 at Hac Sa Beach, with local artist applications open until June 18. Regional Cross-Border Travel: Hong Kong expanded its Southbound Travel Scheme for Guangdong vehicles, adding more Greater Bay Area cities and doubling the daily urban-area quota to 200 from July 25.

GalaxyArt Opening: Galaxy Entertainment Group kicked off the “Dazzling Galaxy – Crystalline Art Exhibition” at GalaxyArt, with 60+ translucent, crystalline works running until Sept 13—an art-and-tech summer draw in Cotai. Labour Safety: Macau’s Labour Department reminded employers to plan flexible work arrangements after tropical cyclone and rainstorm warnings, including remote work where applicable. Organized Crime Crackdown: Macau authorities arrested 26 people in organized prostitution raids, including PSP members—another reminder that “legal” doesn’t mean “organized.” New Air Link for Taipa: The SAR awarded management and operation of the Taipa Ferry Terminal Heliport to Macau Heliport Services, with helicopter services eyed for Greater Bay Area cross-border travel. Tour Traffic Fixes: Coloane neighborhood groups want the former prison site repurposed as tour-bus parking to ease summer congestion near Largo do Presidente António Ramalho Eanes. MGTO Market Push: MGTO held Macao tourism product updates and a travel mart in Malaysia and Thailand to expand Southeast Asian visitor interest. Family-Friendly Weekend Plan: “hush! Beach Concerts x Urban Sports Wellfest 2026” returns Nov 14-15 at Hac Sa Beach, with local applications open until June 18.

Cross-Boundary Travel: Hong Kong expanded its Southbound Travel Scheme for Guangdong vehicles, adding five more Greater Bay Area cities and doubling the daily urban-trip quota to 200 from July 25—another boost for cross-border leisure and shopping flows. Macao Tourism Marketing: MGTO is pushing Southeast Asia demand with Macao Tourism Product Updates Seminars and a Travel Mart in Malaysia and Thailand, pitching “tourism +” and MICE-ready itineraries to trade partners. Local Culture & Archives: “City in Rephotography” opens at the Archives of Macao on June 12, pairing historical photos with modern re-shoots—free entry, running to Sept 30. Food & Lifestyle: Macau tea brand Cha Yu rebrands and spotlights its signature “Cloud Milk Tea,” leaning into homegrown recipes for both locals and visitors. Events on the Calendar: The 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races are set for June 13, 14 and 19 at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre. Health Watch: Macau is considering a possible citywide mosquito control campaign if dengue/chikungunya risks keep rising, with smart traps being explored.

Macao Culture & Archives: The Archives of Macao will host “City in Rephotography — Exhibition of Historical Photographs from the Archives of Macao” from 13 June to 30 September 2026, pairing rare archival images with modern rephotographs; opening is 12 June, and admission is free. Macao Tourism Trade Push: MGTO is running Macao Tourism Product Updates Seminars and a Travel Mart in Malaysia and Thailand to refresh trade partners on Macao’s “tourism +” offerings, including MICE and new products, to attract more Southeast Asian visitors. Macao Events on the Calendar: The 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races are set for 13, 14 and 19 June at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, with local races and categories confirmed after the draw and technical meeting. Cross-Border Travel Reality Check: A Hong Kong multi-entry travel permit for non-Chinese residents (with HK/Macau permanent residency) is making weekend trips to the mainland easier, though some immigration staff still don’t consistently recognize it. Regional Travel Policy Watch: Indonesia is considering partial visa-free access for selected markets, with Macau among those discussed. Galaxy Macau x Trip.com: Galaxy Macau signed a three-year partnership with Trip.com Group (2026–2029) to boost event curation, execution and distribution, including show-viewing perks for members.