Macau visitor spending falls in Q3

According to information released by the Statistics and Census Service, visitor spending decreased in the three months from July to September.

Macau.- The Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) has revealed visitor spending figures for the third quarter of the year. Excluding gaming spend, visitor spending was down by 93.3 per cent year-on-year at MOP$1.01bn (US$126.5m).

The decline included a 94.0 per cent fall from overnight visitors to MOP$726m and 90.5 per cent from same-day visitors to MOP$286m.

Spending was also down by 12 per cent per person, with each visitor spending on average MOP$1,349 (US$169). The spending of those from mainland China fell by 20.6 per cent to MOP$1,343, although per-capita spending of those travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme grew 78.8 per cent to MOP$3,885.

The figures show the primary source of visitor spending was shopping, comprising 66.9 per cent of the total, followed by food and beverages at 15.8 per cent and accommodation at 13.9 per cent. Per-capita shopping spending of visitors increased by 30.2 per cent year-on-year to MOP$903, led by spending on cosmetics and perfume and local food products.

Average spend per person in the third quarter grew considerably among those visiting for the purpose of vacation and for business and professional activities, but declined for those attending MICE events or coming to Macau to shop.