Macau’s Public Security Police Force has reported 1 143 000 visitor arrivals during the 29 September–7 October National Day holiday period, setting a new single-week record since the SAR dropped all pandemic restrictions. Mainland Chinese accounted for 972 000 entries, averaging nearly 139 000 a day—up 19.6 percent on 2025 figures—while Hong Kong residents made 119 000 trips. The surge follows targeted promotions by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and enhanced automated-channel capacity at the Border Gate and Hengqin checkpoints. Over the past year the PSP introduced joint-inspection e-channels that allow Macau ID holders and Hong Kong permanent residents to use their Mainland Travel Permit to clear both jurisdictions simultaneously. Average processing times have fallen below 20 seconds per passenger. Hotel occupancy across Cotai reached 97 percent, and the city recorded its highest daily gaming revenue since 2019 on 3 October. Retail benefited as well: UnionPay data show luxury-goods spending by mainland visitors up 28 percent year-on-year, aided by the 15-percent tax rebate programme for purchases under MOP 12 000. MGTO attributes the growth to visa-free convenience, expanded ferry and shuttle-bus frequencies on the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, and a calendar of cultural events including nightly fireworks and the International Music Festival. Looking ahead, officials are negotiating with Zhuhai authorities to extend 24-hour operation at the Qingmao pedestrian crossing to accommodate weekend surges. Corporate travel planners should note continued hotel rate peaks around Formula-3 Grand Prix week in mid-November, and remind travellers that e-channel enrolment can be completed on arrival but requires a machine-readable ID.
