AGP Executive Report

Economic Outlook: Macau’s economy may have contracted 2% in the third quarter as gaming weakened, though hotel and restaurant spending remained robust. The IMF kept its 2026 growth forecast at 3.3%. Courts and Governance: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai praised the judiciary’s handling of the city’s first national security case and called for judicial reform, stronger integrity and wider use of digital tools. Business and Tourism: More than 1,000 exhibitors are expected at Macau’s trade and franchise fairs from October 21 to 24, followed by a Greater Bay Area business conference on October 22–23. Spanish travel agencies have named Macau their preferred destination for 2027, as European visitor numbers rise. Sport: The FIBA 3x3 World Tour returns to the Ruins of St Paul’s on October 17–18, bringing 16 teams to the city. Public Safety: Police arrested three people in a suspected MOP3.9 million childcare subsidy fraud; a separate cross-border scam investigation linked to fake TikTok customer-service calls reported losses exceeding MOP10 million.

Judiciary: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai praised the courts’ handling of Macao’s first national security case and called for judicial reform, stronger integrity and closer alignment with national and local development plans. Fraud: Three local women are accused of fabricating crèche jobs and payroll records to claim about MOP3.9 million in public subsidies. Separately, police in Macao and Zhuhai arrested three men over a fake TikTok support scam that allegedly cost 54 residents more than MOP10 million. Economy: Macao’s GDP is forecast to have fallen 2% in the third quarter as gaming weakened, though hotel and food spending remained robust. Business: More than 1,000 exhibitors are expected at three trade fairs opening October 21, while Macao hosts a Greater Bay Area business conference on October 22–23. Tourism: Spanish travel agencies have named Macao their Preferred Destination for 2027; Spanish visitor arrivals rose nearly 20% this year. Heritage: Scrapping has begun on Flores, the world’s first Boeing Jetfoil, despite calls to preserve the vessel that once served the Hong Kong–Macao route. Attractions: Macao Science Center drew more than 26,000 visitors during Golden Week, up 10.4% year on year.

Business and Connectivity: Macao will host the MIF, Portuguese-speaking countries’ products expo and franchise expo from Oct. 21–24, bringing about 1,000 exhibitors to Cotai. More than 1,000 delegates are also expected at the Greater Bay Area business conference on Oct. 22–23. Tourism and Gaming: National Day holiday arrivals reached a record 1.87 million, while gaming tax revenue rose 5.9% in the first nine months to US$9.2 billion. Spanish travel agents have named Macao their “Preferred Destination 2027”; arrivals from Spain rose nearly 20% in January–August. Local Industry: BEE Macau, a Belgian-Macao joint venture, has opened the city’s first professional-grade playing-card factory, now in full-scale production and supplying Asian gaming operators. Economic Indicators: Foreign-exchange reserves edged down 0.3% in September to MOP245 billion. New residential mortgage approvals dipped in August, while commercial property lending increased.

Business: BEE Macau has opened the city’s first professional-grade playing-card factory, a Belgian-Macanese joint venture that began full production in May and will supply casino cards to Asia and global markets. Tourism: Spain’s travel agents have named Macao their “Preferred Destination 2027.” European arrivals rose more than 30% in the first eight months of 2026, including a near-20% increase from Spain. Gaming: Gaming-tax collections climbed 5.9% year on year to US$9.2 billion in the first nine months. Transport: The government is encouraging motorcyclists travelling between the peninsula and Taipa to use dedicated lanes on Macao Bridge as it upgrades roads in the Zone A reclamation area. Community: A symposium highlighted the need for dignified end-of-life and palliative care as residents aged 65 and over reached 15.3% of the population. Sport: A 24-member Macao delegation has travelled to Japan for the Asian Para Games, where athletes will compete in five sports.

Tourism: Macao has been named the Spanish Confederation of Travel Agents’ “Preferred Destination 2027,” as European arrivals rose more than 30% in the first eight months of the year and Spanish visitors nearly 20%. The Global Tourism Economy Forum returns this week, with the FIBA 3x3 World Tour to follow on October 17–18. Economic Diversification: BEE Macau has opened the city’s first professional playing-card factory, a Belgian-backed venture bringing production of some Bee casino decks to Macao. Gaming and Safety: Gaming tax receipts reached US$9.2 billion in the first nine months, up 5.9% year on year, while gaming-related crime rose 12.3%; the government has kept its 2026 casino-revenue forecast unchanged. Public Services: Judiciary Police have opened a 24-hour reporting station in Taipa, citing the district’s growing population and demand for services.

Culture: Macao’s 19th A-Ma Cultural and Tourism Festival opened with traditional rites and a Mazu procession, celebrating the city’s links with Fujian and the goddess’s wider cultural legacy. Public Safety: Judiciary Police have opened their first Taipa station, operating around the clock as the district’s population and demand for police services grow. Healthcare: HSBC Life’s new Macau lounge offers policyholders help arranging appointments and navigating care, as the insurer expands its cross-border network. Business and Events: Five bids are in for the private operation of Cotai’s open-air performance venue, with a handover expected in the second quarter of 2027; Macao will also host a Greater Bay Area business conference next Thursday. Gaming: Casino-related crime rose 12.3% in the first nine months of 2026, while gaming tax receipts increased 5.9% to US$9.2 billion.

Public Finances: Macao will channel MOP15.91 billion—80% of its 2025 budget surplus—to the Pension Fund, which faces a projected MOP8.99 billion shortfall over five years. Public Safety: Gaming-related crime rose 12.3% in the first nine months of 2026, with fraud and illegal money exchange among the main drivers, even as overall crime fell. Tourism & Culture: Macao showcased its UNESCO gastronomy work at the World Food Forum in Rome, while the Global Tourism Economy Forum returns October 15–17. Business Diversification: Bee Macau opened a local playing-card factory using automation and AI-assisted quality checks, bringing production closer to gaming operators in the region. Residents’ Priorities: More than 9,000 suggestions for the 2027 Policy Address put transport, education and healthcare among residents’ top concerns. Connectivity: China Southern plans daily Macau–Guangzhou flights from December 10.

Public Finances: Macao will direct MOP15.91 billion — 80% of its 2025 budget surplus — to the Pension Fund, which faces a projected MOP8.986 billion shortfall over five years. Public Safety: Gaming-related crime rose 12.3% in the first nine months of 2026 to 1,951 cases, with fraud and illegal money exchange among the main drivers. Residents’ Priorities: More than 9,000 suggestions for the 2027 Policy Address put transport, education and healthcare among residents’ top concerns. Tourism: The Global Tourism Economy Forum returns Oct. 15–17, bringing industry leaders to discuss resilience, sustainable growth and new opportunities. Connectivity: China Southern Airlines plans daily Macao–Guangzhou flights from Dec. 10, offering links to onward destinations. Sport: The FIBA 3×3 World Tour and Greater Bay Area finals bring international teams to the Ruins of St. Paul’s this weekend.

Major Events: Macao will host the Global Tourism Economy Forum from October 15–17, bringing global tourism leaders together to discuss resilience and sustainable growth. The FIBA 3x3 World Tour follows on October 17–18, with 16 teams competing at the Ruins of St. Paul’s. Gaming and Tourism: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai is holding the 2026 gaming-revenue forecast at about MOP237–238 billion despite four straight months of year-on-year declines; he said October will be crucial. National Day hotel occupancy averaged 91.3%, up 3.1% year on year, while average room rates slipped. Regional Connections: Macao and the Philippines have signed an air-services deal easing capacity limits and opening cargo operators to fifth-freedom rights, supporting the city’s push to diversify its economy. Public Safety: Police recorded 9,966 cases in the first nine months, down 0.9% year on year, but youth crime rose 14.9% to 116 cases. Diplomacy: China has barred the foreign ministers of Belize and Paraguay from entering Macao, Hong Kong and the mainland over their countries’ ties with Taiwan.

Gaming Revenue: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai says Macao will keep its 2026 gross gaming revenue target of 236 billion patacas for now, despite four straight months of year-on-year declines. Revenue reached 187.1 billion patacas in the first nine months. Policy Priorities: The government received 3,417 submissions for its 2027 Policy Address, covering social welfare, economic diversification and public administration reform; Sam says next year’s agenda will advance Macao’s Third Five-Year Plan. Air Links: Macao and the Philippines have signed a new air services agreement, tripling Manila passenger capacity to 20,000 seats and opening fifth-freedom rights for cargo flights. Regional Connectivity: The rebuilt Huanggang Port, linking Shenzhen and Hong Kong, is set to reopen with round-the-clock clearance, supporting closer Greater Bay Area travel and business ties.

Aviation Links: Macao and the Philippines have agreed to expand air services, raising Manila passenger capacity to 20,000 seats, removing limits on other passenger routes and fully opening fifth-freedom rights for cargo flights. Gaming Outlook: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said there are no plans to cut Macao’s 2026 gaming revenue forecast of MOP236 billion, despite four straight months of annual declines. Policy Priorities: The government received 3,417 submissions on its 2027 Policy Address, with 9,036 suggestions covering livelihoods, economic diversification and public administration; the plan will focus on implementing Macao’s Third Five-Year Plan. Tourism: Golden Week brought record visitor numbers, with arrivals averaging 163,000 a day and peaking at 210,000 on October 4. Greater Bay Area Law: New mainland rules formalise the GBA lawyer scheme, setting exam and practice requirements, with the examination to be held every two years.

Gaming Outlook: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai says Macao will not lower its 2026 gaming revenue forecast, despite four straight months of year-on-year declines. He said October’s figures will be important; the government’s MOP236 billion target remains within reach. Tourism: Golden Week set records, with arrivals averaging 163,000 a day and peaking at 210,000. More than 1.87 million visitors entered Macao over the extended holiday period from Sept. 25 to Oct. 7. Investment and Community: Las Vegas Sands chief Patrick Dumont said better US-China ties would benefit both economies and tourism, reaffirming the group’s commitment to Macao. Sands China and NBA Cares also delivered lunch boxes to local residents in need, as part of a week of community events. Local News: BYD is reportedly preparing to bring its compact Racco electric car to Macao. The Macao Giant Pandas, meanwhile, are out of the PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs after an 8th defeat in 10 games.

Tourism: Macao welcomed more than 1.87 million visitors from Sept. 25 to Oct. 7, while arrivals during the National Day holiday averaged a record 163,000 a day and peaked at 210,000. Business: BYD plans to bring its compact Racco electric car to Macao, extending the model’s sales beyond Japan. Sport and tourism: The NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets are set to play a preseason game in Cotai on Sunday, part of the league’s high-profile return to the city. Talent and education: Macao’s Talent Development Committee signed agreements with a local technology centre and Zhuhai’s Zhukuan Group to strengthen talent recruitment and development; the University of Macau also released a five-year plan focused on research, talent and Greater Bay Area ties. Governance: The MSAR government condemned European Parliament criticism of the courts’ handling of Macao’s first national security case, calling it interference in local judicial affairs.

Tourism: Macao set National Day holiday records, averaging 163,000 daily arrivals from Oct. 1–7 and peaking at 210,000 on Oct. 4. Nearly 1.87 million visitors arrived over the broader Sept. 25–Oct. 7 holiday period, while hotel occupancy topped 90%. Talent and Innovation: The Talent Development Committee signed agreements with the Macao International Technology Industry Centre and Zhukuan Group to strengthen talent links among government, technology platforms and business. Higher Education: The University of Macau unveiled its 2026–31 development plan, including closer alignment with Macao’s and China’s five-year strategies and further development of its cross-border campus model. Business Links: Three trade fairs will run together from Oct. 21–24, with 10 business-matching sessions focused on technology, cross-border trade and Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets. Community and Sport: NBA players joined local students for a basketball clinic and mentoring event ahead of the Mavericks-Rockets games in Macao. Cybersecurity: The government warned residents about a fake English-language website impersonating the Chief Executive and said the case was referred to police. Judicial Affairs: The government and Legislative Assembly condemned European Parliament criticism of Macao’s first national security case, calling it interference in local judicial affairs.

Tourism: Macao welcomed 1.14 million visitors during the seven-day National Day holiday, averaging 163,282 arrivals a day—a record for the holiday—with a peak of 210,276 on Oct. 4. Trafficking Report: Macao’s security authorities rejected the US decision to place the city in Tier 3, citing its anti-trafficking laws, prevention work and victim protections. NBA in Macao: The Mavericks and Rockets are meeting for preseason games at the Venetian Arena, while players joined local students for a basketball clinic and community activities. Economic Development: Three trade fairs will run together from Oct. 21 to 24, with 10 business-matching sessions aimed at connecting companies with Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets and other sectors. Government Open Day: The government headquarters opens to the public this weekend, with an exhibition on Macao’s 2026–2030 development plan, performances and a flower display.

Tourism: Macao welcomed 1.143 million visitors during the seven-day National Day holiday, up 15.5% in average daily arrivals year on year. Arrivals peaked at 210,276 in one day, while hotel occupancy topped 91.3%. Business: Three trade fairs will run together from Oct. 21 to 24, with 10 business-matching sessions focused on markets including Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries, technology and food. The government also says it will help “Made in Macao” businesses expand through stronger ties with Hengqin. Government: The Government Headquarters opens to the public this weekend, with an exhibition on the 2026–2030 development plan alongside performances and a flower display. Sports: The Mavericks and Rockets are in Macao for two NBA preseason games at The Venetian Arena; Kyrie Irving is set to play in one of them, ending a 19-month absence.