AGP Executive Report

Urban Planning: The government has submitted its final proposal to amend Macao’s 2020–40 master plan, including land-use changes for three major development projects. District-level plans are expected to follow. Traffic: A 69-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a motorcyclist in Ilha Verde; police say the scooter initially appears to have hit the bicycle from behind, but the investigation continues. Older Workers: People aged 65 and over made up 10% of job seekers last month, with many seeking cleaning jobs, the labour bureau says. Gaming: MGM China reported record third-quarter revenue of HK$8.93 billion and a record 17.1% market share, despite softer results across parts of the market. Culture: Jackie Chan will make his opera-directing debut with a new “Turandot” production at the Macao Cultural Centre, blending Puccini’s classic with Chinese martial arts. Public Administration: A new bureau combining cultural and sports bodies is due to begin work on November 1.

Gaming and Tourism: Macau welcomed 32.18 million visitors in the first nine months, up 8.5%, but casino revenue rose just 3.2%. September gaming revenue fell for a fourth straight month, while third-quarter revenue dropped 3.8%. Economic Diversification: The government has signed agreements with the six casino operators for a MOP20 billion guidance fund, including MOP9 billion in operator backing. Public Administration: A new Cultural and Sports Bureau and unified fund will launch on November 1, merging four existing bodies. Policy and Finance: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai will deliver the 2027 Policy Address on November 16, expected to include a gaming-revenue budget. Sands China has priced US$1 billion in new notes, mainly to refinance US$700 million of debt due in 2027. Local Events: MGM’s Oktoberfest opened in Cotai, with Bavarian music, food and beer running alongside Cantopop DJ nights later this week.

Public Administration: Macau will merge its cultural and sports agencies into a new bureau and unified fund from Nov. 1, in a major government restructuring. Separately, the anti-corruption watchdog found the Sports Bureau had neglected its oversight of fitness centres, with seven of nine cases left without fine notices or follow-up. Tourism and Gaming: Visitor arrivals rose 8.5% to 32.18 million in the first nine months, while gaming revenue grew just 3.2% to MOP187.12 billion. September arrivals climbed 15.9%, but gaming revenue fell 1.2% for a fourth straight monthly decline. Casino Finance: Sands China priced US$1 billion in senior notes, with proceeds and cash on hand to refinance US$700 million in debt due next year and support liquidity and investment. Air Links: Vietravel Airlines plans to start direct Hanoi–Macau flights on Nov. 29, expanding connections ahead of the year-end travel peak.

Gaming and Diversification: Macau’s six casino operators have committed MOP9 billion to a new MOP20 billion government guidance fund. The sector remains under pressure: third-quarter gaming revenue fell 3.8% year on year, though CreditSights says October figures will help show whether weakness is structural. Government: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai will deliver the 2027 Policy Address on 16 November, with next year’s gaming revenue target among the expected announcements. Oversight: The CCAC found negligence and lapses in Sports Bureau supervision of fitness centres, including stalled enforcement against seven of nine suspected operators. Tourism: Visitor arrivals rose 8.5% to 32.2 million in the first nine months of 2026. Cross-border: Zhuhai customs seized 1,353 blood samples from a vehicle heading to Hong Kong via the HZMB, saying they were being transported without required approval.

Border Enforcement: Gongbei Customs says it seized 1,353 tubes of pregnant women’s blood samples from a Hong Kong-bound car at the HZMB in September, citing a breach of mainland quarantine rules. Economic Diversification: Macau’s MOP20 billion Government Guidance Fund is now formally established, with MOP11 billion from the government and MOP9 billion committed by the six casino operators to support emerging industries. Policy & Planning: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai will deliver the 2027 Policy Address on 16 November, with next year’s gaming revenue forecast among the expected announcements. The government says its revised 2020–2040 urban master plan won broad public support, following a consultation that received 4,091 suggestions. Tourism & Gaming: Visitor arrivals rose 8.5% to 32.18 million in the first nine months of 2026, while third-quarter casino revenue fell 3.8%, with mass baccarat particularly weak. Culture & Sport: November’s calendar includes the 73rd Macau Grand Prix and a new city culture festival; local driver Ethan Frederico de Sousa also won silver at Macau’s debut in the FIA Asia-Pacific Motorsport Championship.

Policy Address: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai will present Macao’s 2027 Policy Address on 16 November, followed by a public press conference and lawmakers’ questions the next day. Portugal Outreach: A Macao government exhibition on “One country, two systems” drew more than 3,000 visitors at three Portuguese universities, with further stops planned. Economic Diversification: The new MOP20 billion Government Guidance Fund is underway, combining MOP11 billion from the government with MOP9 billion from the six casino operators to support emerging industries. Tourism and Gaming: Visitor arrivals reached 32.18 million in the first nine months, up 8.5% year on year, but third-quarter casino revenue fell 3.8% as mass baccarat weakened. Public Health: The Health Bureau has opened 13 e-cigarette disposal points ahead of tighter possession and import-export penalties next year.

Economic Diversification: Macau’s six casino operators will contribute MOP9 billion to a new MOP20 billion government fund, alongside MOP11 billion from fiscal reserves, to back long-term investment. Tourism and Trade: Visitor arrivals rose 8.5% to 32.18 million in the first nine months of 2026. The MIF and two related expos drew more than 90,000 visits and produced about 140 signed agreements. Public Health: The Health Bureau has opened 13 e-cigarette disposal points; from July 2027, using or possessing e-cigarettes outside the home will carry a MOP1,500 fine. Officials also report that 29% of kindergarten and primary pupils are nearsighted. Culture: The China–Portuguese-speaking countries arts festival and Lusofonia Festival brought nearly 690 artists and performers to Macau. Border Enforcement: Gongbei Customs says it seized 91kg of silver concealed beneath the rear seat of a Macau-registered vehicle at Hengqin Port and has opened a criminal case.

Tourism: Macao welcomed 32.18 million visitors in the first nine months of 2026, up 8.5% year on year. September arrivals rose 15.9%, but average stays shortened to 1.1 days. Youth Football: Macao’s Under-15 team beat St Kitts and Nevis 2-1 at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan. Economic Diversification: The six casino operators have pledged MOP9 billion to a new government guidance fund, bringing its initial capital to MOP20 billion. The commitments count toward their non-gaming investment obligations. Business: Macao’s trade and franchise fairs drew more than 90,000 visits and produced around 140 agreements, over 80% linked to the “1+4” industries. Gaming: Third-quarter casino revenue fell 3.8%, with mass baccarat down 7.9%, pointing to continued pressure on the sector. Travel Advice: The government issued a Level 1 alert for France, advising Macao residents there or planning to visit to stay vigilant.

Tourism: Macau recorded 32.18 million visitor arrivals in the first nine months of 2026, up 8.5% year on year. September arrivals rose 15.9%, though visitors’ average stay shortened to 1.1 days. Diversification: The six casino operators pledged MOP9 billion to a new government guidance fund, bringing its initial capital to MOP20 billion for investment in emerging industries and economic diversification. Gaming: Third-quarter casino revenue fell 3.8%, with mass-market baccarat down 7.9%. Trade and culture: Macao’s international trade, Portuguese-speaking countries’ products and franchise expos drew more than 90,000 visits and generated about 140 agreements. The Lusofonia Festival and China–Portuguese-speaking countries arts festival also opened, with nearly 50 programmes planned. Travel: Authorities issued a Level 1 alert for France, advising Macao residents there or planning to visit to stay vigilant.

Travel Alert: Macao has issued a Level 1 alert for France, advising residents there or planning to visit to stay vigilant and follow official updates. Economic Diversification: Six casino operators have pledged MOP9 billion to a new government guidance fund, bringing its initial capital to MOP20 billion. The fund aims to support industries beyond gaming and tourism, and the operators’ contributions count toward their non-gaming investment commitments. Trade and Investment: Macao’s international trade, Portuguese-speaking countries and franchise expos drew more than 90,000 visits and secured about 140 agreements; 78 overseas companies have submitted investment proposals. Tourism: Visitor arrivals rose 8.5% to 32.18 million in the first nine months, but same-day visitors drove the increase as overnight arrivals remained nearly flat. Gaming: Third-quarter casino revenue fell 3.8%, with mass-market baccarat down 7.9%. Culture: The Lusofonia Festival and China–Portuguese-speaking countries arts festival opened in Taipa, bringing nearly 690 artists and performers to Macao.

Economic diversification: Macao’s six gaming concessionaires have pledged a combined MOP9 billion (US$1.1 billion) to a government fund backing emerging industries, technology and Greater Bay Area projects. The fund starts with MOP20 billion, including MOP11 billion from public reserves. Tourism: Visitor arrivals rose 8.5% to 32.18 million in the first nine months of 2026. Same-day visits climbed 14.5%, but overnight arrivals were nearly unchanged and average stays held at one day. Culture: The Encounter in Macao arts festival and 29th Lusofonia Festival have opened, bringing nearly 690 performers and almost 50 programmes to venues across the city. Gaming: Third-quarter casino revenue fell 3.8% year on year, with mass-market baccarat down 7.9%. Public works: The government plans to remove overhead cables around Rua da Sé at the end of October to improve safety and the streetscape.

Economic Diversification: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai visited Macao’s International Technology Industry Centre, pledging support for high-tech firms and new sources of growth. The first “Macao Signatures” cohort includes 20 brands and 10 livestream sellers aiming to expand overseas. Business: Macao’s trade fair, Portuguese-speaking countries expo and franchise expo held more than 700 business-matching meetings, drawing firms from across Asia, Europe and the Americas. Tourism: Visitor arrivals rose 8.5% to 32.2 million in the first nine months of 2026, but the average stay slipped to one day. Gaming: Third-quarter casino revenue fell 3.8%, with mass baccarat down 7.9%. Sands China, meanwhile, raised planned annual capital spending for 2027 and 2028 to US$750 million and plans to bring forward its Le Jardin garden attraction.

Casino Revenue: Macau’s third-quarter gaming revenue fell 3.8% year on year to MOP60.22 billion, with mass baccarat down 7.9%. Resort Investment: Sands China raised its planned 2027–28 capital spending by US$150 million to US$750 million and plans to fast-track Le Jardin’s transformation into a botanical attraction, alongside hotel renovations. Business and Trade: More than 1,000 delegates from 25 countries and regions gathered in Macau for the Greater Bay Area business conference; the MIF, PLPEX and Macao Franchise Expo also opened, with 74 agreements signed on day one. Jobs: The Labour Affairs Bureau says it helped 8,535 residents find work in the first nine months of 2026, with people aged 34 or younger making up 52%. Travel: Macau’s aviation authority warned that flights between the city and Taiwan could be disrupted by Tropical Cyclone Champi and advised passengers to check with airlines. Apple Launch: The new foldable iPhone Duo went on sale in Macau with limited stock for walk-in buyers only. Arts and Culture: Free tickets for a Lang Lang conversation at the Macao Cultural Centre are available from today; Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is due to lead Macau’s diocese anniversary events on Oct. 31.

Casino Revenue: Macau’s third-quarter gaming revenue fell 3.8% year on year to MOP60.22 billion, with mass-market baccarat down 7.9%. Mental Health: A new hotline and community outreach team will strengthen support services; the government says its working group has received 641 calls since July. Business: Three trade fairs opened with more than 1,000 exhibitors, and organisers reported 74 agreements signed on the first day. Property: Home prices hit a 14-year low, falling 5.9% year on year; Coloane prices dropped 40.4%. Culture: Free tickets for a Lang Lang and Richard Taylor conversation on 25 October go on sale tomorrow. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will lead the Diocese of Macau’s 450th-anniversary celebrations on 31 October.

Business Fairs: Macao’s MIF, Portuguese-speaking countries expo and Franchise Expo opened at the Venetian with about 1,000 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions. Gaming: Third-quarter casino revenue fell 3.8%, with mass baccarat down 7.9%. Sands China’s revenue rose 8.4% from the previous quarter as market share grew, but EBITDA fell 12% year on year; parent Las Vegas Sands raised its stake to 75.56%. Housing: Home prices hit a 14-year low in the third quarter. Coloane prices plunged 40.4%, although September sales transactions rose 28% year on year. Mental Health: A government working group says its support network has handled more than 600 cases since July, with new services aimed at improving referrals and coordination. Culture: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will lead Mass and a forum on Oct. 31 as Macao’s Catholic diocese marks its 450th anniversary. Tourism Education: Melco donated MOP1 million to the Macao University of Tourism Development Foundation to support teaching, research and international cooperation.

Business and Tourism: Macao’s three major trade fairs open today, with a Greater Bay Area business conference to follow on Oct. 22–23. The city recorded 146,000 arrivals over the Chong Yeung holiday, up 31% year on year. Gaming: Third-quarter casino revenue fell 3.8% year on year to MOP60.22 billion, led by a 7.9% drop in mass baccarat. A new luxury hotel, REM, has opened at City of Dreams as operators seek to broaden Macao’s tourism appeal. Jobs and Nightlife: A November job fair will offer more than 1,600 vacancies, while licensed outdoor restaurant seating can now stay open until 10 p.m. Public Health: Residents and businesses are urged to stop consuming or selling two fermented bean curd products after excessive levels of Bacillus cereus were detected. Culture: More than 40 free “10-Minute Reading Corners” are now operating across Macao and Hengqin.