Fitch ratings expects Macau GDP to rise 15% this year

The ratings agency says growth will be supported by the ongoing revival of the gaming tourism sector.

Macau.- Fitch Ratings has forecast Macau’s gross domestic product (GDP) will grow by 15 per cent this year and 8 per cent in 2025 amid the resurgence of the gaming tourism sector. It said the sector would be boosted by travel policy adjustments that favour tourism between Macau and Hengqin Island allowing mainland residents with a business visa to stay for up to 14 rather than seven days.

Fitch has reaffirmed Macau’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating at AA, with a stable outlook highlighting the city’s “exceptionally strong public and external finances, and demonstrated fiscal prudence even during periods of economic and gaming revenue shocks.” It noted however that the continued reliance on gaming tourism from mainland China remains a risk, given the potential influence of policy changes affecting tourism.

See also: Tourism in Macau: 25.9m visitors in first nine months of the year

Macau gross gaming revenue (GGR) for the first nine months of 2024 was MOP169.3bn (US$21bn), up 31.3 per cent year-on-year. This revenue level represents about 77 per cent of pre-pandemic figures.

The Financial Services Bureau reported that Macau collected MOP66.40bn (US$8.31bn) in taxes from casino operations in the first nine months of the year. The figure was up 45.1 per cent when compared to the same period last year. According to the 2024 budget plan, the government aims to collect MOP83.61bn (US$10.4bn) in gaming tax this year.

The ratings agency says growth will be supported by the ongoing revival of the gaming tourism sector. Macau.- Fitch Ratings has forecast Macau’s gross domestic product (GDP) will grow by…