AGP Executive Report

Macau Tourism & Events: Macao’s International Youth Dance Festival 2026 kicked off with a parade at the Ruins of St Paul’s, drawing 800+ young dancers from 33 groups, with activities running to July 23. Macao Visitor Numbers: DSEC says Macao logged 20.94 million visitor arrivals in H1 2026, up 9% year-on-year, led by mainland China. Entertainment in Macau: MAMAMOO expanded its Macau stop after instant sell-outs, adding a second Londoner Arena date for back-to-back performances. Sports (Regional): PV Sindhu reached the Japan Open final after Chen Yu Fei withdrew mid-match with a hamstring issue. Business & Trade: Macau’s casino sector faces dealmaking focus amid slower US growth, while Macau’s June gross gaming revenue fell 12.1% year-on-year. International Policy: The US will shorten foreign journalist visas to 240 days and Chinese reporters to 90 days, prompting China to warn of reciprocal steps.

Tourism Numbers: Macao logged 20.94 million visitor arrivals in the first half of 2026, up 9% year-on-year, with same-day visitors rising 15.3% and overnight stays broadly flat; mainland China remained the biggest source (up 11%), while Thailand surged 51.4%. Public Safety & Markets: The Municipal Affairs Bureau held a summer safety meeting, pushing stronger disaster-prevention checks across public markets, hawker zones, parks and food safety. Legislation & Transport: The government welcomed the Legislative Council’s passage of the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area Bill, clearing the legal path for the redeveloped port’s colocation arrangement and a planned July 31 commissioning. Culture & Exchange: An exhibition opened at the IAM Gallery highlighting Macao’s role in promoting exchanges between Chinese and Western civilizations via ties with the Portuguese-speaking world. Sports Fan Engagement: Galaxy Macau’s East Square will host a Volleyball Experience interactive zone for the VNL Women’s Finals (July 22-26), open to visitors without match tickets. Regional Business Watch: Casino dealmaking is drawing attention as growth slows in the US sector, while Macau faces concerns over spending visibility post-World Cup.

Tourism Pulse: Macao logged 20.94 million visitor arrivals in H1 2026, up 9% year-on-year, with same-day visitors rising 15.3% and overnight stays edging up 0.2% (avg stay 1.0 day). Public Safety: The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) held a summer safety meeting, pushing stronger disaster-prevention checks across markets, hawker zones, parks and food safety. Culture & Community: An exhibition at the IAM Gallery spotlights Macao’s role in cultural exchanges between Chinese and Western civilizations, running until Aug. 12. Sports Fan Life: Galaxy Macau’s East Square will host a “Volleyball Experience” interactive zone for the VNL Women’s Finals (July 22-26), open to visitors without match tickets. Governance/Infrastructure: The government welcomed LegCo’s passage of the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area Bill, clearing the legal path for the July 31 commissioning. Crime Watch: Macau’s rape cases rose 29.4% in 1H 2026, with security chief Chan Tsz King saying many victims are non-residents and some cases may be reclassified.

Tourism & Culture: The Macao Government Tourism Office teamed up with Flyday HK to launch “MACAO, GET, SET, GLOW 2026,” a running-and-exploration campaign with four route themes aimed at showing visitors “another side” of the city. Public Services & Safety: The Environmental Protection Department released updated water-quality grades for 39 gazetted and one non-gazetted beach, with most sites rated Good or Fair and several rating changes after recent rain. Local Governance: The Cultural Affairs Bureau opened a tender for a new operator of the Cotai outdoor performance venue, setting a base annual rent of MOP2.1 million and a five-year lease. Economy & Industry: The Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre marked 30 years, saying it has served over 20,000 SMEs and is pushing further digital transformation and “Made in Macao” certification. Education & Skills: UTM student Bianca Mak Correia won silver in restaurant service at the WorldSkills Australia Global Skills Challenge and took “Best in Nation” for Macau. Crime & Security: Security Secretary Chan Tsz King said overall public security stayed stable in 1H 2026, with fraud cases down year-on-year. Sports: Japan advanced in the Volleyball Nations League finals race, with Macau hosting quarterfinal action on July 22. Entertainment: K-pop star Sandara Park announced a new career direction and representation partnership in Southeast Asia.

Visa Tightening: The Trump administration announced it will drastically shorten U.S. visas for foreign journalists to 240 days, and cut Chinese reporters to 90 days, with Hong Kong and Macau reporters excluded—sparking fresh press-freedom concerns. Public Security Update: Macau’s Security Secretary Chan Tsz King said police opened 6,628 criminal cases in the first half of 2026, down 71 year-on-year, with fraud cases also falling and telecom/online scams dropping sharply. Elderly Care via Tech: MTel signed AI cooperation deals with Jiangnan University and research partners to develop smart care solutions for Macau’s ageing population. Tourism & Community Transport: Hengqin launched a new RMB10 million voucher drive to boost cross-border spending, while Macau expands shuttle-bus services to connect tourist spots with local communities. Local Economy Watch: Macau’s Economic Association expects moderate first-half growth, citing tourism recovery but noting a June slowdown tied to the FIFA World Cup. Business & Culture: The government’s “First-Store Economy” scheme is in Phase 2 with a 31 July deadline, aiming to attract brands opening their first outlets in Macao. Sports Spotlight: Macau’s mascot and volleyball-related coverage continues as Japan advances in the Nations League and Macau’s own sports events gear up.

Tourism & Transport: Macau is expanding its free “Tourism and Leisure Buses” community shuttle plan, adding four new one-way routes from Ruins of St. Paul’s and Rua do Cunha to neighbourhood stops (including Fai Chi Kei), with the network growing to 14 routes and 10 drop-off points, running on weekends and major holidays until 3 January. Anti-Scam Alert: The Judiciary Police warned of MPay QR-code refund scams, saying 36 residents were targeted in a week with losses exceeding MOP240,000, using fake business pages and QR links to trigger unauthorised payments. Local Economy Outlook: The Macau Economic Association expects moderate 2026 first-half growth, estimating GDP at MOP209.5 billion (about 5% real growth) as tourism recovery continues, though June gaming revenue dipped to MOP18.5 billion. Business & Policy: The government launched the “First-Store Economy” support scheme, with Phase 2 applications due by 31 July, aiming to attract brands opening their first Macao outlets. Sports & Skills: WorldSkills Macao’s Bianca Mak Correia won Silver in Restaurant Service at the Australia Global Skills Challenge, and Macau paddler U Choi Hong took bronze at the ITTF World Para Future in Thailand. Entertainment: Actor Gong Yoo announced his first-ever Asia fan meeting tour, with Macau listed for Nov. 7.

Macao Tourism & Transport: The government’s free “Tourism and Leisure Buses” community exploration programme enters its second phase tomorrow, adding four new routes from Rua do Cunha and the Ruins of St Paul’s plus a new Fai Chi Kei drop-off, bringing the network to 14 routes and 10 community stops, with service running on weekends and key holidays until Jan 3. Sports & Community: Caritas Macau announced the Macau Abilympics next month at USJ and UTM, with 14 skill categories for people with disabilities and pathways to the 2027 International Abilympics in Finland; meanwhile, Macau paddler U Choi Hong won bronze at the ITTF World Para Future in Thailand. Culture & Youth: A Greater Bay Area essay competition under the 7th Macau GBA Youth Development Forum drew 400+ students, urging youth to link career plans with regional development. Local Arts: “Void and Substance” showcases Josephine Ng’s ethereal watercolours and layered oil works at 10 Fantasia through Aug 13. Finance Watch: Macao’s new residential mortgage approvals fell 3.1% month-on-month in May, while foreign exchange reserves rose 3.6% to 243.9 billion patacas in June.

Visa Update: Indonesia has granted visa-free entry for Macau SAR passport holders for up to 30 days per visit, with details pointing residents to the DSI website and Indonesia’s immigration rules. Public Health: Macau’s Health Bureau is stepping up hepatitis B screening and prevention, monitoring about 23,000 chronic patients and expanding automatic HBsAg testing to more age groups ahead of World Hepatitis Day on July 28. Local Governance & Culture: The Cultural Affairs Bureau will premiere the baby theatre show “Sounds of WOODerland” at the Macao Cultural Centre from Aug. 5-10, and will hold an industry session on Aug. 8 to encourage regional collaboration. Sports: The Women’s Volleyball Nations League – Finals Macao 2026 schedule is out, with quarterfinals starting next Wednesday at the Macao East Asian Games Dome and tickets now on sale. Arts & Heritage: Macao Museum near the Ruins of St. Paul’s is showcasing around 100 exhibits from the first batch of classified movable properties, highlighting key categories from ceramics to manuscripts. Business & Travel: Galaxy Macau’s Galaxy Hotel and Kidz Edutainment Center have earned Certified Autism Center™ designation, while tourism links continue to grow through Greater Bay Area initiatives.

Visa & Travel: Macao passport holders can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days per visit, with travellers urged to check entry rules before departure. Public Health: The Health Bureau says about 23,000 people with chronic hepatitis B are under monitoring, with testing expanded to residents aged 40+ who lack records. Sports (Macao): The Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals Macao 2026 schedule is out, with quarterfinals starting next Wednesday at the Macao East Asian Games Dome; tickets run from 280 to 1,380 patacas. Culture & Family: “Sounds of WOODerland,” a baby theatre show, will premiere at the Macao Cultural Centre from Aug 5–10 as part of the 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival. Museum: Macao Museum is showcasing about 100 exhibits from the city’s first batch of classified movable properties, including rare porcelain and cultural manuscripts. Crime: Judiciary Police arrested a mainland man for breach of trust after he pocketed HK$200,000 winnings and the victim’s HK$300,000 gambling capital. Inclusive Hospitality: Galaxy Macau’s Galaxy Hotel, Galaxy Kidz Edutainment Center and Grand Resort Deck have earned Certified Autism Center™ designation. Health & Policy (Hengqin): A Hengqin-Macao tie-up highlights medical innovation as cross-border movement and connectivity continue to rise.

Hengqin-Macao Integration: A Hengqin-Macao cooperation zone milestone highlights smoother cross-border movement, with customs data showing over 260,000 trips daily and nearly 70% of about 12,000 vehicles carrying Macao plates. Elderly & Rehab Planning: The government set up two interdepartmental coordination groups to drive the 10-year elderly services and rehabilitation services action plans, with regular reviews and policy adjustments. Tourism Momentum: Despite casino revenue worries, Macao’s tourist arrivals keep climbing, with the Qingmao checkpoint processing over 20 million clearances since the year began and daily arrivals running above last July’s pace. Local Culture & Arts: The Cultural Affairs Bureau announced “Sounds of WOODerland” for babies at the Macao Cultural Centre (Aug 5-10) and a local presentation session on Aug 8 to promote Macao’s children’s performing arts. Sports Spotlight: The Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals Macao 2026 quarterfinal schedule was released, with China hosting and USA, Italy, Brazil, Türkiye, Canada, Japan and the Netherlands joining the host in Macau (July 22-26). Business Climate: Macao chambers warn the city risks “irrelevance” in ASEAN outreach unless the government boosts backing, saying Hong Kong is moving faster with stronger institutional support.

Tourism Momentum: Macau’s tourist arrivals keep climbing even as casino revenue forecasts cool, with Qingmao Immigration Center processing over 20 million customs clearances this year and daily arrivals now running above last July levels. Gaming Outlook: Citigroup flags Macau’s weakest quarter since reopening, blaming the FIFA World Cup and weak VIP hold rates, while still expecting recovery as matches wind down. Local Economy Pressure: A lawmaker urges tougher, coordinated measures as shop closures rise and residents increasingly spend across the border, warning short-term promotions won’t fix structural problems. Tourism Branding Push: MGTO opened the Mak Mak Experience Hub at Senado Square, betting on tech-led, mascot-driven experiences to pull visitors into neighbourhoods and boost local IP. Community Support: The Social Welfare Bureau launched “Baby-Friendly Service Stations” to help families with infants, starting with pilot points at subsidised childcare centres. Culture & Heritage: The Macao Museum inaugurated “Macao’s 1st Group of Classified Movable Properties Thematic Exhibition,” with online virtual tours planned. Sports Spotlight: China’s women’s volleyball team will face a Nations League final round in Macau after a rough Hong Kong run.

Macau Tourism & Culture: MGTO opened the Mak Mak Experience Hub at Senado Square, using interactive “Mak Moments” to push visitors beyond big sights and into nearby neighbourhoods, with the hub running until Jan. 3, 2027. Local Economy & Restructuring: A think-tank report on ZAPE’s post-satellite-casino shift says cultural tourism, the night economy and better business support should lead the area’s functional revamp, warning that past stimulus brought only short-lived gains. Gaming Industry: Citigroup flagged Macau’s toughest quarter since reopening, citing FIFA World Cup spending diversion and weak VIP hold rates, with Q2 EBITDA forecast down 7% year-on-year. Legislative Watch: A lawmaker urged faster action to tackle business closures and spending outflow to Zhuhai, pointing to sharp foot-traffic drops in affected districts. Community Services: IAS launched the first “Baby-Friendly Service Stations” to support parents, starting with a pilot at Patane Municipal Market Complex. Sports (Macao-linked): Volleyball Nations League Finals in Macau begin July 22–26 after Canada booked its first berth with a win in Hong Kong.

Macao Governance & Policy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai chaired a symposium urging officials to fully integrate President Xi Jinping’s July 1 speech into MSAR work, stressing “One Country, Two Systems,” Macao people governing Macao, and high autonomy. Legislative Study Session: The Legislative Assembly held a symposium to study Xi’s speech, with lawmakers pledging to turn insights into concrete legislation and support the government’s administration. Tourism & Community Life: Sands China confirmed the expanded 2026 Sands Shopping Carnival at The Venetian Macao (July 23-26), featuring 580 booths, themed zones and daily “special MOP 1” items; meanwhile, the Mak Mak Experience Hub opened at Largo do Senado, and the IAS launched the first baby-friendly “service stations” across six subsidised childcare centres. Culture Access: The Cultural Affairs Bureau’s mobile library continues weekend outreach to new parking locations across Macao Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane, with popular “Story World” sessions for families. Regional Spotlight: The VNL Finals in Macao (July 22-26) are set after Canada booked its first-ever berth by beating the Dominican Republic 3-1 in Hong Kong. Sports & Education: A Grade 1 student from the Philippines won a perfect score at the Macau international English competition, with the Philippines taking overall champion.

Macao Governance: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai chaired a symposium urging Macao officials to fully integrate President Xi Jinping’s July 1 speech into daily work, stressing “One Country, Two Systems,” “Macao people governing Macao,” and high autonomy. Cultural Heritage: The Macao Museum opened an exhibition on the city’s first group of classified movable properties, featuring about 100 selected relics and running until Aug. 16, with virtual tours planned. Gaming Regulator Update: Lio Chi Chong returned as Acting Director of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau after the DICJ director post reopened, stepping in again following recent leadership reshuffles. Regional Mobility: Germany published its 2026 visa-free list of 62 countries, including Macao, for short stays up to 90 days. Tourism & Events: Da Nang’s International Fireworks Festival wrapped up with Portugal winning the 2026 grand prize; the event featured a Macao team among international participants. Entertainment: Korean actor Gong Yoo announced a 2026 Asia fan meeting tour “The Long Take,” with Macau listed as one of the stops. Sports: The PBA Governors’ Cup season begins with the Macau Giant Pandas returning as a guest team.

Xi Study Session in Macau: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai chaired a symposium urging MSAR officials to fully integrate President Xi Jinping’s July 1 speech into governance under “One Country, Two Systems,” with legislators pledging to turn study into concrete high-quality development actions. Cultural Heritage Spotlight: The Macao Museum opened “Macao’s 1st Group of Classified Movable Properties Thematic Exhibition,” featuring about 100 items showing Macao’s trading-hub history and Chinese-Western cultural integration, running July 11 to Aug. 16. Gaming Regulator Update: Lio Chi Chong returned as Acting Director of the DICJ for the second time in under two years after the director post stayed vacant following Ng Wai Han’s promotion. Education & Youth Exchange: A Grade 1 student from the Philippines topped Macau’s 13-nation International Cube Challenges English competition with a perfect score, as the Philippines took overall champion. Regional Sports Link: Macau is set to host the Volleyball Nations League Finals later this month, after China secured a finals spot despite a 3-1 loss to the Dominican Republic. Tourism IP Boost: MGTO inaugurated the Mak Mak Experience Hub at Senado Square, a new interactive attraction running until Jan. 3, 2027.

Macau Governance: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai chaired a symposium urging Macao officials to fully integrate the spirit of President Xi Jinping’s important speech into daily work, stressing “One country, two systems,” “Macao people governing Macao,” and high autonomy as the city pushes for high-quality development. Cultural Heritage: The Macao Museum inaugurated “Macao’s 1st Group of Classified Movable Properties Thematic Exhibition,” featuring about 100 items across three themes, running July 11 to Aug. 16 with virtual tours planned. Gaming Regulator Update: Lio Chi Chong returned as Acting Director of the DICJ, stepping in again after Ng Wai Han’s promotion, as the director post remains vacant. Tourism & IP: The Mak Mak Experience Hub opened at Senado Square, using four interactive zones to boost the tourism mascot’s visibility from July 10 to Jan. 3, 2027. Regional Mobility: China reported 369 million cross-border trips in H1, with Hong Kong and Macao residents accounting for 147 million trips.