Macau Welcomes Over Half a Million Travelers During the Easter Weekend

Macau saw record Easter tourism, with over 520,000 visitors during the four-day holiday (April 18^th – 21^st). The Public Security Police Force reported a 28% year-on-year surge from 2024’s 406,000. Traffic peaked on Holy Saturday with 161,309 entries, followed by 139,791 on Easter Sunday and 118,999 on Good Friday. Final Easter Monday arrivals reached 99,966 by day’s end.

The Border Gate and Hong Kong Zhuhai-Macao Bridge served as primary entry points, facilitating nearly 1.05 million border crossings during the holiday period. The sustained influx underscored Macau’s appeal despite Easter not being a public holiday in mainland China, its largest tourist market.

Mainland Dominates Easter Influx

Mainland Chinese tourists comprised 63% of Macau’s Easter visitors (327,000 arrivals), followed by Hong Kong (146,000, 28%) and Taiwan (10,000, 2%), with international tourists rising to 7.1% (37,000). The surge defied expectations, as Easter isn’t a public holiday in mainland China, Macau’s primary tourism market. Hong Kong’s contribution aligns with its 2024 trend, supplying 29% (7.1 million) of Macau’s annual visitors.

Andy Wu of the Macau Tourism Industry Association noted the daily 130,000-visitor average “greatly exceeded initial forecasts,” catching sector analysts off guard. Despite calendar mismatches, the sustained cross-border flow highlights Macau’s appeal to regional travelers.

Border Traffic Shatters Records

Macau’s border crossings surged to 2.8 million entries and exits during Easter, with residents and visitors contributing to the historic traffic. The Border Gate handled 49.7% of all movements, followed by Qingmao Port (15.5%), the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB, 15%), and Hengqin Port (11.6%). Tourist-specific crossings mirrored this trend, with the Border Gate processing 200,000 travelers, HZMB accommodating 144,000, and Hengqin Port and Taipa Ferry terminal managing 70,613 and 34,816, respectively.

HZMB also achieved new milestones, with 429,000 cars transiting through Zhuhai port on Thursday and Friday—a 76.5% annual increase. Thursday alone saw 145,000 inbound vehicle trips, a staggering 141.7% year-on-year increase. The unprecedented activity underscores Macau’s growing connectivity and infrastructural capacity amid trade uncertainties.

Building Economic Momentum

Macau’s Easter tourism surge delivered broad economic gains, with retailers reporting 20% - 30% sales spikes. Hospitality and border sectors also saw intensified activity, underscoring the holiday’s cross-industry impact. Attention now shifts to mainland China’s Labor Day (May 1^st – 5^th), a peak travel period expected to sustain growth. The five-day affair historically drives mass tourism, with industry analysts anticipating heightened demand for Macau’s diverse integrated resorts and cultural attractions.