Macau is considering subsidising transport for international visitors flying into Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and travelling on to the city, in a bid to rebuild long-haul casino traffic amid weaker direct connectivity.

The proposal, outlined during the Macau International Travel Industry Expo, comes as reduced flight capacity into Hong Kong International Airport continues to impact inbound visitation from Europe and the Middle East.

Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macau Government Tourism Office, said the government is exploring covering transfer costs from Guangzhou – around 150km away – to make it easier for international guests to reach Macau’s integrated resorts. The move builds on existing subsidies for arrivals via Hong Kong and reflects a broader push to diversify beyond Macau’s core mainland China customer base, which has dominated post-pandemic recovery.

Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, Tai Kin Ip, said the city is responding to geopolitical uncertainty by widening its tourism reach and strengthening non-gaming attractions alongside its casino offering. The strategy aligns with Macau’s “1+4” diversification plan, but the immediate focus remains clear: restoring premium international visitation to support the city’s high-value gaming segment.

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