Macau’s government has reported strong gaming revenues through the first quarter of 2026 despite concerns over global geopolitical developments dragging on the growth of tourism to Asia.
In a bid to further boost visitor numbers, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macau Government Tourism Office, revealed at the Macau International Travel Industry Expo that the government is considering covering transport costs from the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Macau.
Macau has a similar scheme already in place for visitors who land at the Hong Kong International Airport. However, Fernandes said the incentive is under consideration due to a reduction in flights from the Middle East and Europe to Hong Kong resulting from the ongoing war in Iran.
Whilst there is significant trepidation around tourism to the gambling capital of Asia, the latest data from the Financial Services Bureau revealed that the agency collected MOP$25.8bn (£2.36bn) in Q1 2026, a 15.9% increase compared to the same period last year.
Any concerns around the impact on Macau’s gambling tourism will be felt across the region, with total revenue received by the state topping MOP$28.7 bn (£2.62bn) in Q1, meaning gaming tax accounted for almost 90% of total tax revenue for the Chinese special administrative region.
The results continue a strong end to 2025, which saw gaming revenue surge in the second half of the year.
Asia’s largest gaming hub reported full-year gross gaming revenue (GGR) of $30.8bn, up 9.1% from 2024 and beyond the government’s target of $29.9bn.
“The MSAR Government will continue to diversify its range of tourism products, organise major events, improve supporting infrastructure, and strengthen publicity and promotion,” said Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, Tai Kin Ip, at the same event, according to the Macau Daily Times.
Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, is approximately 150 kilometres from Macau, and flights from Europe continue to operate to the city’s airport amid the tensions.
Asia’s gaming market continues to monitor the ongoing impact of conflict in the Middle East, which has escalated turbulence in global tourism.
Genting Singapore, the owner of Resorts World Sentosa – one of two casinos in Singapore – told investors earlier this week that it is continuing to assess the potential implications for its business; however, it reiterated its belief that its diversified offerings and ‘strong financial position’ will provide operational resilience.
The company added: “Given the evolving nature of the situation, Management remains focused on evaluating a range of potential direct and indirect effects, including possible impacts on international travel flows, cost conditions and broader macroeconomic sentiment. As conditions remain uncertain and subject to change, it is premature to draw definitive conclusions on the potential effects on the Group.”
