Speaking at a press briefing last Friday, Fernandes expressed that the current upgraded legal framework in Macau is highly accommodating for various types of hotel properties, allowing for a diverse range of investment opportunities.
“In terms of legislation, the environment is very open now,” Fernandes stated. “We revised hotel laws a few years ago, enabling not only luxury hotels but also other types of accommodations like youth hostels and capsule hotels.”
In 2022, Macau enforced a revised hotel law, which outlined the framework for hotel operations and licensing procedures in the city.
It eliminated the previous classifications of guesthouses and tourism complexes, introducing a new category called “economical accommodation establishments.” This category has simpler operational requirements and permits shared rooms and bed rentals.
The by-law also regulates the licensing process for hotels and various catering establishments.
According to Fernandes, this shift reflects Macau’s commitment to attracting a wider array of investors looking to tap into the region’s tourism potential.
In a recent interview, Lui Che-woo, chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG), emphasized the importance of addressing hotel room shortages as Macau shifts to a more mass-market and event-oriented tourism model.
He estimated that the city requires at least 15,000 additional rooms to keep pace with rising visitor numbers, particularly focusing on mid-priced accommodations with daily rates under HKD1,000 ($127).
Macau currently boasts about 45,000 hotel rooms but welcomed 35 million visitors last year.
This disparity in capacity is notably stark when compared to Las Vegas, which has approximately 160,000 rooms for 40 million annual visitors.
To bridge this gap, Lui suggested developing Hengqin Island—three times larger than Macau—as a key solution. He highlighted that mid-priced hotels on Hengqin would allow visitors to stay there while attending Macao’s conventions, concerts, and gaming venues.
Lui also stressed the need to ease border crossing procedures between Macao and Hengqin, including implementing multiple-entry crossings and facial recognition technology to reduce wait times for tourists.
With hotel occupancy rates in Macao remaining high—averaging 90 percent in the first quarter of 2025 and reaching 95 percent during the recent five-day Golden Week holiday—the urgency for more accommodations is clear.
In addition to addressing room shortages, Fernandes discussed how MGTO is enhancing the experience for visitors.
“There are many ways for international tourists to understand and learn about Macau,” she explained. Traditional methods include informational booths at various entry points, where visitors can access brochures, pamphlets, and maps.
However, in a nod to modernity, she emphasized the availability of digital resources. “Most of our brochures are available online, and we have a dedicated application that helps visitors plan their itineraries,” she noted. This app allows travelers to prepare for their visit in advance or make plans while they are in Macao.
Looking ahead, Fernandes indicated that MGTO will continue to expand its promotional efforts. “We will enhance our outreach through both traditional and social channels, ensuring that visitors have ample resources to plan their trips effectively,” she said.
Article by Nelson Moura
