Macao Welcomes Record Visitor Numbers as Thai Arrivals Surge Nearly 60% in Early 2026 MGTO host "Macao Tourism Product Updates Seminar & Travel Mart" in Bangkok, reinforcing Thailand as a priority market.

Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, the Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, opened the seminar against a backdrop of strong results. In 2025, Macao welcomed over 40 million visitor arrivals for the first time in its history, a landmark milestone in the destination's development as a world centre of tourism and leisure. This positive momentum has continued into 2026, with more than 14 million visitors welcomed in the first four months of the year, representing a 13% year-on-year increase.

Thailand has emerged as one of Macao's most dynamic international source markets, with Thai visitor arrivals recording a remarkable nearly 60% year-on-year growth in the first four months of 2026. Thailand currently ranks third among Macao's international visitor source markets, and MGTO has identified Thailand as a priority market for continued growth.

Central to Macao's 2026 strategy is its Tourism+ concept, positioning the destination as a multi-dimensional experience that integrates travel with gastronomy, culture and heritage, entertainment, MICE, sports, technology and modern lifestyle. As a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Macao offers exceptional culinary experiences ranging from Michelin-starred dining to beloved street food. The Historic Centre of Macao, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continues to draw travelers seeking cultural depth, while a vibrant year-round entertainment calendar ensures there is always something new to discover. On the MICE front, Macao's world-class infrastructure will soon welcome the APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting as part of China's hosting of the APEC 2026 meetings, a testament to the destination's growing stature on the global stage.

To address the practical realities of rising travel costs globally, MGTO highlighted its ongoing collaboration with airlines to maintain and strengthen flight frequencies between Bangkok and Macao, ensuring reliable and competitively priced options for Thai travelers as one of the most accessible short-haul destinations from Thailand, with approximately 39 direct flights per week operated by Air Macau, Thai Air Asia and Thai Lion Air.

The seminar also showcased Macao's role as a convenient gateway to mainland China, where Thai visitors benefit from visa-free access across the country. Travelers can seamlessly combine Macao with multiple destinations across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, one of the world's most dynamic economic and cultural regions, or extend their journey further into other major Chinese mainland cities, making Macao an ideal anchor for a broader, high-value travel itinerary.

In a bid to convert interest into bookings, MGTO also announced an Online Travel Fair running from 1-15 June 2026, bringing together exclusive promotions from airline, hotel, tour operator, OTA and payment platform partners, making it easier than ever for Thai travelers to plan and book their Macao trip.

Beyond the travel trade, MGTO is significantly expanding its partnership ecosystem in Thailand. New alliances are being forged with banking, retail, and telecommunications platforms to reach Thai travelers across more touchpoints in their daily lives. Most notably, MGTO is deepening its presence within Thai culture itself — partnering with local restaurants, cafes, and beloved Thai characters and brands to bring Macao's identity into the everyday lives of Thai consumers and inspire travel long before a flight is booked.

"We are delighted to be back in Bangkok at a time when Macao's tourism momentum is strong and our partnership with Thailand continues to grow," said Miss Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes. "Thailand is a priority market for us, and today's seminar reflects our commitment to working closely with our Thai partners to develop compelling, high-quality travel products that meet the evolving interests of Thai travelers."

MGTO looks forward to welcoming a new wave of Thai visitors to Macao in the months ahead.

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