Macao’s tourism industry is on track to recover to pre-COVID levels this year, with efforts intensifying to attract international visitors and enhance the city’s appeal as a world-class tourist destination, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, said.

The tourism chief made her remarks on Saturday during an interview session with over 50 journalists from various parts of the nation who were on an eight-day visit to document the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions’ latest development.

She said Macao is expected to see nearly 40 million visitor trips in 2025, potentially matching the peak level of 2019. International arrivals have rebounded to 78 percent of pre-pandemic figures, with 1.145 million overseas tourists recorded in the first five months of this year — a 17 percent year-on-year increase.

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To further boost inbound travel, Fernandes said the MGTO will organize promotional campaigns in Indonesia and Malaysia, collaborate with international influencers, and explore emerging markets like the Middle East.

Despite rising visitor numbers, average spending has dipped due to global economic pressures. Fernandes acknowledged the trend of “budget travel” but stressed that Macao should offer varied experiences — from luxury stays to affordable attractions — to maximize economic benefits.

Initiatives integrating cultural, sports, and wellness tourism under the “1+4” industrial development strategy — referring to the city’s fundamental tourism sector and four emerging industries, including technology and healthcare — have been implemented with the aim of creating new consumption opportunities, said Fernandes.

For example, the upcoming 15th National Games, to be co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao in November, presents an opportunity to promote “tourism + sports”, with MGTO plans to design themed travel routes to encourage extended stays and in-depth regional exploration.

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This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the inclusion of the “Historic Centre of Macao” on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau President Leong Wai-man told the visiting reporters that an array of celebratory activities, including heritage-themed tours and forums, will be hosted to showcase Macao’s blend of East-meets-West culture.

Also on Saturday, the media delegation stopped at Premier School Affiliated to Hou Kong Middle School to learn about its patriotic education initiatives. Principal Iao Tun-ieong emphasized the institution’s commitment to fostering national identity among students.

This year, to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), the school will stage a large-scale performance of The Ode to the Yellow River, blending dance and revolutionary songs to educate students on historical remembrance.

The journalists also toured some of Macao’s landmark tourism sites including the Ruins of Saint Paul’s College and Macao Museum, on Saturday.

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Organized by the All-China Journalists Association, the delegation of journalists from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao, explored key developments and cultural highlights across the two SARs from June 22-29.

The itinerary featured interviews with government officials, including discussions on economic policies with Hong Kong’s financial leaders and insights into Macao’s role as a platform for China-Portuguese-speaking countries’ cooperation.

Visits to iconic sites such as the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, CLP Group’s headquarters, and the Hong Kong Science Park witnessed innovation and sustainability efforts, while cultural stops like the Hong Kong Palace Museum and Macao’s Grand Prix Museum highlighted the two SARs’ unique heritage.

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The tour also included engagements with local communities, including youth and social organizations, reflecting the vibrant societal fabric of the SARs.

By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the tour strengthened media ties and highlighted a shared vision for growth and integration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Contact the writer at stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com