Non-gaming spending of tourists in Macau increase by 30%

November 8, 2023 Macau Industry Updates

When comparing the third quarter of 2023 to the same period in 2019, visitor spending on non-gaming activities increased by 30% in Macau. Lei Wai Nong, the Secretary of Economy and Finance, reports that Macau’s total tourism spending has increased to 80% of what it was in 2019.

He said this in response to a question from a member of the Legislative Assembly of Macau. Lei claims that non-gaming spending has even exceeded pre-COVID levels.

When gaming is taken out of the equation, tourist spending in Macau increased by 14% in the second quarter and 30% in the third. The total amount spent by tourists between January and September of this year has recovered to 64% of that of 2019, with the month of July seeing an increase to 80%.

Lei said that the government will step up its marketing efforts in 2024 to target foreign travel agencies, with a focus on Southeast Asia in particular.

The total amount spent by visitors in Macau on non-gaming activities increased to MOP$17.48 billion (US$2.17 billion) in Q2 from MOP$15.71 billion (US$1.95 billion) in Q2, as reported by the Statistics and Census Service.

During the Legislative Assembly meeting, a number of legislators urged the government to advance the rights and interests of those involved in the gaming business, including increasing the wages of those employed in the industry. Lei responded by saying that the government would assist companies that have the necessary resources and conditions to raise employee pay.

The number of full-time employees in the gaming business has been declining; in Q2, there were 51,693 employees, down 1,899 from the previous year. There were 23675 merchants, 418 less than before. In the second quarter of 2019, there were 57,840 workers in the gaming industry.

During the second quarter of 2023, dealers made an average salary of MOP$20,330 (US$2,525), while full-time employees in the gaming industry made an average of MOP$24,730 (US$3,070). Dealers made MOP$20,850 (US$2,585), while the average salary was MOP$24,550 (US$3,525) in Q2 2019.