AGP Executive Report

Tourism Numbers: Macau logged 20.94 million visitor arrivals in H1 2026, up 9% year-on-year, with mainland China still the biggest source (15.29m, +11%). Same-day visitors rose 15.3% while overnight stays were broadly flat, and June saw a rare 3.1% dip to 2.8m. Public Safety: The Municipal Affairs Bureau’s summer safety meeting pushed stronger disaster-prevention checks across markets, hawker zones, parks and food safety, with a focus on electrical safety awareness. Sports & Local Spotlight: In the PBA Governors’ Cup, Converge crushed Macau 149-124 as Justin Arana hit a career-high 39 points, while Macau remained winless in three games. Culture & Events: The International Youth Dance Festival runs 18–23 July, starting with a parade at the Ruins of St. Paul’s and temporary traffic controls. Education: UM rector Yonghua Song received an honorary Doctor of Technology from Brunel University London.

Macau tourism rebound: Visitor arrivals hit 20,944,446 in 1H26, up 9% year-on-year, though June saw a 3.1% dip. Mainland China remained the biggest source (+11%), while Taiwan arrivals rose 24.7%. Public safety push: The IAM held a summer safety meeting, calling for tougher checks and risk-mitigation across markets, hawker zones, green areas, and food safety. Anti-corruption crackdown: The CCAC says it uncovered an alleged MOP13 million subsidy fraud involving a social service institution, with suspected bid-rigging and inflated procurement; cases are now with the IAS for follow-up. Tourism & culture calendar: MGTO and Flyday HK launched “MACAO, GET, SET, GLOW 2026,” and the International Youth Dance Festival runs 18–23 July with parade route and traffic controls around the Ruins of St. Paul’s. Sports in the spotlight: Macau’s presence in the PBA Governors’ Cup continues as Converge routed Macau 149-124, with Justin Arana posting a career-high 39.

Tourism & Culture: The Macao Government Tourism Office teamed up with Flyday HK on “MACAO, GET, SET, GLOW 2026,” a running-and-exploration campaign with four route themes aimed at showing “another side of Macao.” Public Security: Macau reported 6,628 criminal cases in 1H26, down 1.1% year-on-year, while gaming-related crimes rose 12.2%; officials also flagged a 29.4% jump in rape cases but said the figure may be misleading due to many non-resident victims and cases possibly tied to sexual transactions. Anti-Corruption: The CCAC uncovered an alleged MOP13 million subsidy fraud involving a social service institution, with bid-rigging claims and custody measures for the person in charge. Gaming Economy: DICJ data pointed to a drag from VIP baccarat, with Q2 VIP baccarat GGR down 18.8% sequentially, even as gaming tax revenues rose 13.1% in 1H26. Local Industry & Tech: CPTTM marked 30 years, saying it has served 20,000 SMEs and is pushing digital transformation and “Made in Macao” certification. Tender Watch: IC launched a public tender for a new operator for the Cotai outdoor performance venue, with bids due Oct. 12. Sports Spotlight: Gong Yoo announced his first-ever Asia fan meeting tour, with Macau set for Nov. 7.

Gaming Watch: DICJ data points to a June quarter drag as VIP baccarat GGR slid 18.8% quarter-on-quarter to MOP$15.9b, helping push total GGR in 2Q26 to MOP$61.2b. Public Security: Macau’s total crimes fell 1.1% in H1 to 6,628, but gaming-related crimes rose 12.2% to 1,278, with fraud up 23.6%. Anti-Fraud Crackdown: CCAC says it uncovered a public subsidy fraud case worth over MOP$13m, alleging bid-rigging by a social service institution head via affiliated firms. Local Culture & Media: IC shortlisted 30 projects for the second phase of “Local View Power,” with plans due by Aug 31. Business & Tech: CPTTM marked 30 years by saying it has served 20,000 SMEs through training and ISO support; MTel signed AI-care partnerships with Jiangnan University and other partners. Weather: SMG warns of more showers and possible thunderstorms through Sunday. Sports (Macau-linked): Volleyball Nations League final-round action continues in Macau, with Japan set to face Brazil in the quarterfinals.

Gaming & Public Safety: Macau logged 1,278 gaming-related crimes in the first half of 2026, up 12.2% year-on-year, with fraud and “abuse of trust” among the biggest risers. Anti-corruption Watch: The CCAC says it uncovered alleged public subsidy fraud tied to bid-rigging by the person-in-charge of a social service institution, involving over MOP13 million. Tourism & City Life: Lou Lim Ioc Park will close parts of its irrigation and filtration areas from 20 July for about 100 working days. Local Transport: The “Tourism and Leisure Buses” programme adds four new community routes (including Fai Chi Kei) from tomorrow, running on weekends and key holidays until 3 January. Business & Economy: Macau’s economy is expected to grow about 5% in 1H as tourism recovery continues, while Hengqin rolls out RMB125 weekly vouchers to boost cross-border spending. Culture & Skills: WorldSkills Macao’s team won a Silver Medal at the WorldSkills Australia Global Skills Challenge, and Macau Abilympics will be held next month at USJ and UTM. Regulation: IAM is consulting on tighter controls for paid travel photography at tourist sites, including operator registration and ID badges. Sports (Regional): Macau’s U-17 women’s team has been drawn into Group F for AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. Luxury (Regional): Richemont’s Q1 sales jumped on strong jewellery demand, with Asia Pacific growth supported by Hong Kong and Macau.

Tourism Transport: Macau’s “Tourism and Leisure Buses” expands again tomorrow, adding four new community routes from the Ruins of St Paul’s and Rua do Cunha plus a new Fai Chi Kei stop—14 routes total, 10 community drop-offs, running weekends and key holidays until Jan 3. Local Governance: The Municipal Affairs Bureau will temporarily close and upgrade the Dog Park in Avenida da Ponte da Amizade from Thursday for about 90 working days, with the Estrada do Reservatório dog park open as the alternative. Disability & Skills: Caritas Macau says the Macau Abilympics will be held next month at USJ and UTM, with 14 categories and a pathway for winners to the 11th International Abilympics in Finland in May 2027. Culture & Arts: “Void and Substance” showcases Josephine Ng’s ethereal watercolours and layered oil works at 10 Fantasia, while an Albergue SCM exhibition spotlights architect He Jingtang and his team until Aug 13. Sports: Macau paddler U Choi Hong wins bronze in Women’s Singles Class 7 at the ITTF World Para Future in Thailand; locally, NLEX starts strong under Jimmy Alapag with a 135-100 win over Titan Ultra. Economy Watch: Monetary Authority data shows June FX reserves at MOP243.9b, up 3.6% month-on-month, while mortgage approvals in May fell month-on-month.

National Security & Courts: Macau’s pro-democracy figure Au Kam San is set to move from preliminary examination to trial after judges endorsed the prosecution in the first enforcement of the territory’s National Security Law. Public Health: The Health Bureau (SSM) is stepping up hepatitis B screening and prevention, with expanded testing for older residents and follow-up for more than 23,000 patients, ahead of World Hepatitis Day. Law & Regulation: Lawmakers have advanced revised tobacco controls, tightening smoke-free rules and e-cigarette restrictions and raising fines for cross-border importation of emerging tobacco products. Travel & Safety: Indonesia has granted visa-free entry for Macau SAR passport holders for up to 30 days per visit. Crime & Enforcement: Police say 36 residents were hit by MPay QR-code online shopping scams in a week, losing 240,000 patacas. Culture & Community: The Cinematheque·Passion operator concession has been awarded amid criticism over tender terms, while the Macao Museum highlights about 100 classified movable-property exhibits. Sports & Local Life: San Miguel opened the PBA Governors’ Cup with a 123-109 win over Macau; meanwhile, VNL Finals Macao 2026 quarterfinals schedule and tickets are out.

PBA Governors’ Cup: NLEX opened its new Jimmy Alapag era with a 135-100 rout of Titan Ultra, with Robert Bolick scoring 29 and DeQuan Jones adding 22 as the Road Warriors started 3-0. PBA—San Miguel vs Macau: San Miguel beat Macau 123-109 even without June Mar Fajardo and coach Leo Austria, using a big fourth-quarter surge; De’Vondre Perry led Macau with 25. Sports—VNL Finals in Macao: The Women’s VNL Finals quarterfinals schedule is out for next week at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, with China set to face the US and tickets now on sale. Public Health: The Health Bureau said it is monitoring about 23,000 chronic hepatitis B patients, with expanded screening for people aged 40+ who lack test records. Safety—Scams: Police reported 36 residents lost 240,000 patacas in MPay QR code shopping scams in a week. Travel—Indonesia: Indonesia will allow visa-free entry for up to 30 days for MSAR passport holders. Food Safety: IAM ordered a repeat suspension of Healer Bar after Salmonella was found in a random ready-to-eat sample. Weather: A low-pressure system may bring storms and heavy rain, with authorities warning of possible flooding.

Elderly & Rehab Overhaul: Macau has set up two cross-departmental coordination groups to drive its 10-year elderly services and 10-year rehabilitation plans (2026-2035), chaired by the Social Affairs and Culture Secretary with the Social Welfare Bureau director as deputy. Food Safety Crackdown: The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) ordered Healer Bar to suspend operations and rectify after a repeat Salmonella finding, following earlier bacterial non-compliance. Community Culture Boost: Cotai’s new outdoor “Enjoy Stage” will be offered rent-free to local groups during a trial run, with a built-in setup for small-scale performances. Tourism Watch: Despite weaker casino revenue, Macau tourist arrivals keep climbing, with Qingmao Immigration Center clearing over 20 million entries since the year began. Weather Alert: A developing low-pressure system may bring storms and heavy rain to Macau, with authorities monitoring for possible tropical cyclone signals. Jobs: A Youth Employment Expo at Macau Tower offers 1,600+ vacancies from local and Hengqin firms. Sports Spotlight: The VNL Finals roster for Macau is out, with China set to host the quarterfinals starting 22 July.

Weather & Safety: The Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau warns of persistent showers and thunderstorms this week as a low-pressure system develops over the South China Sea, with hot conditions already pushing temperatures above 34°C. Elderly & Rehab Policy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai has set up two cross-department coordination groups to drive the 10-year action plans for elderly services and rehabilitation services (2026–2035). Courts & Housing Fallout: The Court of Final Appeal rejects Polytex’s bid over Pearl Horizon pre-sale buyer compensation, ordering the developer to pay double deposits after the project missed deadlines. Public Health: The Municipal Affairs Bureau found excessive SO2 in “Hak San Fried Noodles,” ordered retailers to pull the product, and required the maker to fix production. Tourism Push: MGTO opened the Mak Mak Experience Hub at Senado Square, an immersive, tech-led attraction running until Jan 3, 2027. Tourism Numbers: Qingmao Immigration Center processed over 20 million customs clearances since the year began, with arrivals rising faster than last year. Gaming Economy: Gaming tax revenue hit MOP51.2b in 1H26 (+13% y/y), while Citi flags Macau’s toughest quarter since reopening as World Cup effects fade. Sports & Community: Macau will send 86 athletes to the 2026 Asian Games, and Sands China launched a UM-linked responsible gaming youth programme.

Gaming Economy: Macau’s gaming tax revenue rose 13% to MOP51.19 billion in 1H26, about 55% of the annual target, with June collections up 13% to MOP8.67 billion. Local Economy Pressure: A lawmaker urged stronger, coordinated action as shop closures spread and spending leaks to Zhuhai, citing survey data showing many businesses saw 10%–30% sales drops in 2025. Tourism Push: MGTO opened the Mak Mak Experience Hub at Senado Square, aiming to turn the mascot into a more interactive, commercially useful draw that nudges visitors into nearby neighbourhoods. ZAPE Revamp Debate: A think tank says ZAPE’s renewal should prioritise cultural tourism, the night economy and business support, warning that past stimulus boosted visitor numbers only briefly. Transport & Environment: The Environmental Protection Bureau said it hasn’t ruled out banning new fossil-fuel vehicle registrations, but would weigh the move against public consensus. Public Safety: Chief Executive Sam chaired a “summer safety” meeting focused on flood prevention and accident prevention. Crime Crackdown: PJ arrested a retired Judiciary Police officer for allegedly helping a sauna evade law enforcement, bringing disciplinary-force-linked suspects to six. Food Safety: IAM found excessive SO2 in a Macau-made bulk noodle product and ordered retailers to pull it from shelves. Weather: Hot weather remains in effect, with temperatures hitting 36.2°C.

Food Safety Watch: Macau’s IAM says excessive SO2 was found in a local bulk noodle sample (“Hak San Fried Noodles”), with retailers told to pull it from shelves and the maker ordered to fix production. Public Safety: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai chaired a “summer safety” meeting, urging agencies to tighten coordination on flood prevention and accident prevention. Crime & Enforcement: Judiciary Police arrested a retired PJ officer for allegedly helping a sauna-linked prostitution operation evade law enforcement. Community & Families: The IAS launched “Baby-Friendly Service Stations,” with the first service point at Patane Municipal Market Complex, using subsidised childcare centres to support parents. Culture & Reading: The mobile library continues its district outreach with new stops, while the 29th Macau Book Carnival draws crowds with big discounts and hundreds of titles. Tourism & Lifestyle: Mak Mak Experience Hub opened at Largo do Senado and will run daily until Jan 3, plus Sands Shopping Carnival returns July 23-26 with expanded zones and daily “MOP 1” deals. Sports: Macau will host the VNL quarterfinals starting July 22, after Canada booked its first VNL Finals berth.

Macau Governance: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai chaired a Macao 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. Gaming Oversight: Lio Chi Chong returned as Acting Director of Macau’s gaming regulator DICJ after Ng Wai Han’s promotion, with the director post again vacant. Local Economy Watch: Citi analysts warn Macau faces its “toughest quarter since reopening,” forecasting a 7% EBITDA drop in 2Q26 tied to World Cup pressure and weak VIP hold rates, while expecting a rebound later in the year. Culture & Youth: A Macau space science education program wrapped up with awards and graduation for nearly 300 participants, aiming to boost scientific literacy and youth interest in aerospace. Sports (Macau-linked): In the PBA Governors’ Cup, NLEX coach Jimmy Alapag opened with a 114-75 win over the Macau Giant Pandas, while Macau’s Damian Chongqui led with 35 points. Tourism & Travel: Macau is listed among stops for Korean actor Gong Yoo’s Asia fan meeting tour “The Long Take,” including Manila and other major cities.

Macau Governance: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai chaired a Legislative Assembly symposium on studying President Xi Jinping’s July 1 speech, urging officials to fully implement “One Country, Two Systems,” “Macao people governing Macao,” and a high degree of autonomy in day-to-day work. Gaming Oversight: Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau again has Lio Chi Chong as Acting Director, stepping in after Ng Wai Han’s promotion to Secretary for Economy and Finance. Culture & Heritage: The Macao Museum inaugurated “Macao’s 1st Group of Classified Movable Properties Thematic Exhibition,” featuring about 100 items such as Kraak porcelain, maps, textiles and statues, with online virtual tours to follow. Local Youth & Science: A Macao space science education program (“Macau Space Dream Project”) held its award and graduation event, highlighting student experiment design and aerospace training. Tourism/Travel Context: Saudi Arabia and Japan both published updated 2026 eVisa eligibility lists that include China (covering Hong Kong and Macau) for Saudi, and outline Japan’s direct online application countries. Sports Link: Macau’s presence in regional sport continues, including the PBA Governors’ Cup featuring the Macau Giant Pandas.

Macau Economy & Gaming: Citi warns Macau is heading into its “toughest quarter since reopening,” forecasting a 7% year-on-year drop in 2Q26 industry EBITDA, with World Cup effects and unfavorable hold rates weighing on results—though analysts expect a rebound later in 2026 as events ramp up. Local Governance: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai chaired a symposium urging MSAR officials to fully integrate President Xi Jinping’s key speech into day-to-day work, stressing “One Country, Two Systems,” “Macao people governing Macao,” and high autonomy. Gaming Regulator Leadership: Lio Chi Chong returns as Acting Director of the DICJ for a second time in under two years, stepping in after Ng Wai Han’s promotion to Secretary for Economy and Finance. Culture & Heritage: The Macao Museum inaugurated “Macao’s 1st Group of Classified Movable Properties Thematic Exhibition,” featuring about 100 items and launching virtual tours. Tourism & Youth: The Mak Mak Experience Hub opened at Senado Square, running until Jan 3, 2027, while a Macao space science education program held its award ceremony for student winners. Sports (Regional): In the PBA Governors’ Cup, NLEX coach Jimmy Alapag began with a 114-75 win over Macau, and the SEA Plus Youth Games were launched with Macau listed among invited countries.

PBA Spotlight: NLEX opened the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup with a 114-75 demolition of Macau’s Giant Pandas, as new head coach Jimmy Alapag got a winning debut powered by DeQuan Jones (23 points, 11 rebounds) and a team-high 30 assists. Local Culture & Heritage: The Macao Museum inaugurated “Macao’s 1st Group of Classified Movable Properties Thematic Exhibition,” featuring about 100 items and launching virtual tours. Tourism & IP: The Mak Mak Experience Hub opened at Senado Square, running until 3 Jan 2027, with interactive “Mak Moments” zones to boost the tourism mascot. Public Health & Weather: The Macao observatory issued a Yellow hot weather alert, warning of very hot conditions with temperatures possibly reaching 35°C. Economy & Daily Life: Macau’s diesel subsidy scheme ends at 23:59 today, while LPG and petrol support runs until 25 July. National Security Court Update: Au Kam San’s national security case has cleared pre-trial and moved to the Lower Court for trial scheduling.