China’s latest tourism data demonstrated a significant rebound in outbound travel, with an estimated 146 million trips recorded in 2024, nearing pre-pandemic levels. According to the Annual Report of China Outbound Tourism Development 2024 by the China Tourism Academy, around 30 percent of all outbound Chinese tourists travelled to Macau, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Among these destinations, Macau has emerged as a key beneficiary, primarily due to its thriving gaming industry. Macau’s gaming sector experienced a major surge last year, driven by the sharp rise in Chinese tourist arrivals. The city welcomed over 34.9 million visitors, representing a nearly 24 percent increase from the previous year, according to official data from the Macau government.
Of these, tourists from mainland China accounted for 70 percent of total arrivals, surging by 28.6 percent to reach over 24.49 million.
The influx of tourists has significantly fuelled Macau’s gambling sector, with gross gaming revenue (GGR) reaching MOP226.78 billion (€26 billion), reflecting a 23.9 percent year-on-year growth. This recovery has placed the city’s casino industry closer to pre-pandemic levels, reaffirming its position as the world’s premier gambling hub.
China propelling Macau’s GGR
A key driver of this revenue surge has been baccarat, a game heavily favoured by Chinese gamblers. In 2024, baccarat alone generated MOP 192.67 billion (€21.3 billion), marking a 24 percent rise compared to the previous year.
The game remains the dominant force in Macau’s gambling market, accounting for the vast majority of the city’s casino earnings. While specific figures on how much of this revenue was generated exclusively by Chinese gamblers are not publicly disclosed, historical trends suggest that mainland Chinese visitors contribute approximately 75 percent of Macau’s total gaming revenue.
With gambling restrictions remaining strict in China itself, Macau continues to serve as the primary destination for high-rollers and mass-market gamblers alike.
Record surge in gaming hubs
Beyond Macau, Hong Kong also witnessed a surge in Chinese tourist arrivals, with visitors drawn to the city’s shopping and entertainment offerings. Taiwan, too, experienced heightened demand for both business and leisure travel.
Other popular destinations included Southeast Asia, which accounted for 14.7 percent of Chinese outbound travel, with countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia seeing substantial growth. Northeast Asia also attracted 10.6 percent of China’s outbound tourists, while North America and Europe saw 8.7 percent and 6.7 percent respectively.
Macau remains a convenient and accessible choice for both casual and high-stakes players. The 2024 resurgence in gambling revenue highlights the region’s resilience and its ability to draw Chinese tourists back to its casinos.
While competition from emerging gaming markets in Southeast Asia is growing, Macau still dominates the industry, maintaining its status as the undisputed gambling capital of the world.
