December’s figure of MOP$7.82bn ($980m) was, however, the highest total since January. The 66% drop is also the lowest percentage decline in revenue since January.
It is now the third successive month to generate signs of recovery for Macau’s gaming industry, with October and November reporting year-on-year declines of 73% and 71% respectively.
December’s total coincides with an increase in visitation to the region over the Christmas period, with the average number of visitors over 24,000 towards the end of the month.
According to the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO), visitations between 23 December and 27 December increased by 20% compared to the rest of the month.
Hotel occupancy for the holiday period meanwhile was over 70%, with 93% of visitors coming from mainland China, as the MGTO continues to promote Macau as a safe tourist destination.
A recent statement from the MGTO read: “Travel connoisseurs were invited to the city to help promote Macau as a safe and quality destination, whereas discounted travel packages and products were launched for travel to Macau through collaboration with different online travel agencies.”
The latest figures mean that Macau gaming revenue for 2020 stands at MOP$60.4bn, a 79% decrease from 2019. The total is, however, the highest that the region has reported for the entire year.
