Macao sees record-breaking tourist flow during May Day holiday

By Xinhua Published: May 05, 2025 09:55 AM

Tourists are pictured near the Ruins of St. Paul's in south China's Macao, May 3, 2025. The first three days of China's May Day holiday saw a significant influx of visitors to the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), injecting new vitality into the local tourism industry. Statistics from the SAR's Public Security Police Force (CPSP) showed that from Thursday to Saturday, Macao's border checkpoints recorded entries and exits of 731,474, 837,062, and 826,273, respectively. Friday experienced the highest daily total, including 221,968 incoming visitors, marking the highest single-day record for inbound tourists since the pandemic.(Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

The first three days of China's May Day holiday saw a significant influx of visitors to the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), injecting new vitality into the local tourism industry.

Statistics from the SAR's Public Security Police Force (CPSP) showed that from Thursday to Saturday, Macao's border checkpoints recorded entries and exits of 731,474, 837,062, and 826,273, respectively. Friday experienced the highest daily total, including 221,968 incoming visitors, marking the highest single-day record for inbound tourists since the pandemic.

Arthur Delaporte, a visitor from France currently residing in Hong Kong, shared his thoughts on Macao's unique blend of cultures. "It's fascinating to see European architecture around the city. The bricks on the ground remind us of Europe, which is interesting," he said.

Despite the crowds, Delaporte expressed his enjoyment of the experience in Macao's old town, highlighting how the European-style architecture was a pleasant surprise. "We wouldn't have imagined finding this kind of European influence here, but it's cool," he added.

Cao, a Chinese student studying in Japan, visited Macao during her holiday back in the mainland. She planned to visit iconic spots, including the Ruins of St. Paul's and Rua do Cunha, a pedestrian street famous for cuisine and the Portuguese style of architecture.

"Macao gives me a sense of familiarity," she said, adding that she was particularly impressed by the food, which blends international influences while preserving traditional Chinese flavors.

At the Coloane Village of Macao, Lord Stow's Bakery saw queues of visitors to buy its flagship egg tarts. Its staff told Xinhua that they expected to sell an average of over 20,000 egg tarts daily during the May Day holiday.

Li Xi, executive associate dean of the Faculty of International Tourism and Management, City University of Macau, believes that the friendly and inclusive nature of the residents has become a core competitive advantage for Macao's tourism industry, contributing to its "warm" appeal. The city's overall hospitable atmosphere is key in enhancing tourists' sense of belonging, he said.

From Thursday through Sunday, the Tap Siac Craft Market in Spring brought together over 200 handicraft and creative gastronomy stalls by cultural and creative practitioners from Hong Kong, Macao, and the mainland.

Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao SAR Government Tourism Office, noted that in recent years, the tourism office has been actively promoting "Tourism +" cross-sector integration. During the May Day holiday, events such as "Tourism + Sports" and "Tourism + Culture and Creative Industries" enriched the celebrations, creating a unique event brand and boosting community tourism vitality.

According to the Tourism Office, some streets will be vehicle-free in Taipa Village during the holiday period, making it easy for visitors and locals to explore the city and indulge in various dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.

Tourists are pictured at the Senado Square in south China's Macao, May 1, 2025. The first three days of China's May Day holiday saw a significant influx of visitors to the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), injecting new vitality into the local tourism industry. Statistics from the SAR's Public Security Police Force (CPSP) showed that from Thursday to Saturday, Macao's border checkpoints recorded entries and exits of 731,474, 837,062, and 826,273, respectively. Friday experienced the highest daily total, including 221,968 incoming visitors, marking the highest single-day record for inbound tourists since the pandemic.(Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)