Content Writer: Janice Chew • Tuesday, 26/01/2026 - 17:35:31 - PM
Macau is stepping up its efforts to attract more international tourists in 2026 with a fresh and highly visible incentive: free direct bus tickets from Hong Kong International Airport to Macau for eligible foreign visitors. This initiative, spearheaded by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), is part of a broader strategy to expand Macau’s reach in global tourism markets and foster longer, multi-destination trips that include both Hong Kong and Macau.
Starting 20 January and running through 31 December 2026, international travellers arriving at Hong Kong International Airport can obtain one-way free coach tickets for direct transfer to Macau via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB). To qualify, visitors must present valid foreign travel documents and complete simple registration formalities at the designated counter located within the restricted area of the airport.
The free coach service builds on similar promotions Macau has offered in previous years — including free bus and ferry tickets for overseas tourists — and reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing Macau’s lure as a travel destination beyond its well-known gaming and entertainment sectors.
This tourism push comes at a time when regional travel dynamics are evolving. Hong Kong International Airport remains one of the busiest air hubs in Asia, serving as a gateway for travellers from Europe, North America, the Middle East and beyond. Macau’s move to remove an intercity transportation cost barrier is expected to make it easier and more appealing for visitors to extend their stay in the Greater Bay Area — leveraging both Hong Kong’s connectivity and Macau’s cultural and entertainment offerings.
Industry observers note that such incentives are part of a broader tourism revival strategy that also includes promotional campaigns online and offline, collaboration with airlines, partnerships with travel agencies around the world and joint marketing efforts across the twin cities. The aim is not just to bring visitors to Macau, but to encourage multi-city travel itineraries and longer stays that benefit the wider regional economy.
Macau’s latest tourism incentives reflect an acute awareness of global travel trends and competitive destination marketing. With rivals in Asia — such as the Philippines and South Korea — also rolling out visa-free or travel incentive programs to attract international tourists, Macau’s free transit tickets are a creative way to position itself at the heart of cross-border leisure travel.
Overall, this initiative represents a targeted effort to diversify Macau’s visitor base, enhance the appeal of combined Hong Kong–Macau experiences, and sustain tourism growth through practical incentives that make international travel more seamless and attractive in the post-pandemic era.
