The spending of visitors to Macau surged by 355% year-on-year to MOP$17.48 billion (US$2.17 billion) in the three months to 30 June 2023, with shopping, accommodation, and food and beverage proving their main focus.
According to information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), overnight visitors spent a total of MOP$14.58 billion (US$1.81 billion) while same-day visitors spent MOP$2.90 billion (US$359 million). Expenditure does not include money spent on gaming.
Per capita spending of visitors also increased by 7.8% to MOP$2,610 (US$323) due to overnight visitors comprising an increased proportion of visitor arrivals, while mainland Chinese visitors spent on average MOP$3,261 (US$404) – up 31.8% year-on-year. However, spending of those travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme fell by 31.1% to MOP$3,385 (US$419). Visitors from Hong Kong and Taiwan spent an average of MOP$1,140 (US$141) and MOP$2,595 (US$321) respectively, DSEC said.
It also revealed that visitors primarily spent on shopping, which contributed 48.5% of the total spend, followed by accommodation at 24.5% and food and beverage at 17.4%.
However, it was those coming to Macau for MICE events who spent the most on average at MOP$5,140 (US$637). Those coming for business and professional purposes spent an average of MOP$3,255 (US$403) and for shopping an average of MOP$3,239 (US$401).
For the first six months of 2023 combined, the total spending of visitors amounted to MOP$32.46 billion (US$4.02 billion), up 211% year-on-year.