Macau's tourism industry delivered a stellar report card in 2025. According to preliminary data released by the Macau Public Security Police Force, the total number of inbound tourists last year reached 40.06 million, not only a 14.7% increase year-over-year but also surpassing the pre-pandemic peak in 2019 by a substantial 6.5475 million. However, amidst this booming scenario, there lies an "anomalous" data point: the passenger traffic at Macau International Airport did not increase but instead slightly declined by 1.6%. What new dynamics does this "rise and fall" reflect about Macau's tourism market?
Strong rebound in total tourist numbers, unprecedented cross-border mobility
In 2025, the momentum of recovery in Macau's tourism was formidable. The total number of cross-border movements reached 23.5 million, a 9.8% increase year-over-year, setting new records. The official forecast had predicted annual passenger traffic between 38 million and 39 million, but the actual figures far exceeded expectations. Particularly, there was a significant increase in visitor traffic to Macau just before the New Year celebrations at the end of the year, so much so that by 11 AM on December 27, the total number of tourists for the year had already surpassed the total for 2019. These figures clearly indicate that post-pandemic, Macau's tourism mobility has fully normalized, relying on sustained regional market demand and robust cross-border travel, and has firmly stepped onto a new growth platform.
Unexpected decline in airport passenger traffic, reflecting changes in transportation patterns
In stark contrast to the bustling land and sea ports, Macau International Airport's passenger performance was somewhat weak. Airport operator data shows that in 2025, the airport handled approximately 7.52 million passengers, a decline of 1.6% from the previous year. The airport company admitted that this gap was mainly due to "economic background and some uncertainties," with passenger traffic in the first half of the year and the summer not meeting expectations. However, the airport's operations were not without highlights: the number of overseas inbound passengers increased by 7%, the number of international routes increased by 26%, and cargo volume also achieved a 1.08% annual growth. Currently, 29 airlines operate flights to 47 destinations including Mainland China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and Japan and Korea. The slight decline in airport passenger traffic may suggest a structural change in the modes of transportation used by visitors to Macau, with more passengers possibly preferring to enter through land ports such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.
Challenges and opportunities coexist, diversified strategies for the future
Facing short-term fluctuations in passenger traffic, Macau International Airport has not remained passive. The operator has actively collaborated with industry partners to attract new airlines and promoted business recovery in the fourth quarter. Last year, the airport opened or resumed routes to Jinan, Cebu, Haiphong, Ho Chi Minh City, and Vladivostok, and is currently discussing potential cooperation with airlines from the Middle East. These measures aim to expand the network and enhance attractiveness. Overall, the data from 2025 paints a picture of a strong foundation for Macau's tourism industry, but also suggests that its transportation hub and source market structure may be undergoing significant adjustments. In the future, how Macau consolidates its advantages in land-based sources while enhancing the competitiveness of its air hub, and further expanding its diversified international source markets, will be key to maintaining the long-term vitality of its tourism industry. For more in-depth reports on global tourism and related industry markets, continue to follow the deep coverage on PASA's official website.
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