Chinese destinations lead in global tourism

Macao is shifting into high gear to become a center of tourism and leisure, in part by further tapping into its rich history and unique culture.

“Since Macao returned to the motherland 15 years ago, the tourism industry has made rapid progress,” said Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourist Office.

The number of tourists to the special administrative region rose from 7.4 million in 1999 to 29.3 million in 2013, figures from the office showed. Tourists from the Chinese mainland increased over the same period from about 1.6 million to 18.6 million.

Mainland visitors also made the largest contribution to Macao’s tourism industry from January to October in 2014, accounting for 67.4 percent of tourists, followed by those from Hong Kong at 20.5 percent and Taiwan at 3.1 percent.

“The central government supports Macao in developing itself into a center of tourism and leisure and appropriately diversifying its economy, which brings about new opportunities to Macao’s tourism industry,” Fernandes said.

Macao is now listed among the Top 10 tourism regions in Lonely Planet.

The hotel industry is also riding on the growth. The number of hotel rooms has increased from 9,514 in 1999 to 28,800 in 2013, and the occupancy rate has grown over the same period from 53.7 percent to 83.1 percent.

“The APEC Tourism Ministers Meeting, which was held in Macao this September, promoted the building of a center of tourism and leisure. Macao has also gained more popularity worldwide,” said Fernandes, referring to one of the events under the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

Zhang Jing from Shanxi province was in Macao on a two-day business trip and was delighted with the attractions.

“I have just visited the famous Ruins of St. Paul’s and University of Macao,” the 27-year-old said.