The May Day holiday gave a much-needed shot in the arm of the tourism industry after China adjusted its pandemic prevention and control policy early this year.

Macao's tourism industry welcomed the adjustment, because tourism will play a big role in not only revitalizing Macao's tourism industry but also boosting its overall economy. The move could help accelerate the Macao Special Administrative Region's economic recovery by helping boost its tourism and hospitality sectors.

Macao is known for its luxury casinos and historical landmarks, and has been able to bounce back due to a combination of favorable conditions and effective government measures.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Macao was a thriving tourism hub, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world every year. However, the pandemic brought a sudden halt to tourism, with potential tourists canceling their plans and governments, both at home and abroad, implementing many travel restrictions.

As a result, Macao's tourism industry took a big hit, with visitors' numbers dropping dramatically. In 2019, the number of visitors to Macao reached a record high of nearly 40 million, and the growth of the tourism industry drove the development of related sectors such as hotels, restaurants, retail sales and transportation, creating a large number of jobs for Macao residents in the process.

The three years of the pandemic were difficult times for Macao's tourism industry, but the resumption of travel between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong and Macao has accelerated the tourism industry's recovery. In fact, Macao's streets are beginning to bustle again with tourists.

The Macao SAR government effectively controlled the spread of the novel coronavirus because it took early and strict measures such as closing the border and conducting widespread testing. This helped restore public confidence in the efficiency of the SAR government, and as a result, tourists have started to return to the city.

In addition to its strong public health response, Macao has also implemented several measures to support its tourism industry, including offering incentives to travel agencies and tour operators, and promoting Macao as a safe and attractive tourist destination. The SAR government has also been working closely with the casino industry to ensure the safe reopening of its world-class resorts, which have been a major draw for visitors.

The results of these efforts are already evident. According to the Macao tourism authorities, visitors' number has been increasing steadily, with the SAR welcoming about 5 million tourists in the first three months of this year, a significant increase over the same period in the previous year.

However, the future of Macao's tourism industry is not solely dependent on the lifting of travel restrictions. The government and the private sector have to work together to diversify the tourism industry and develop new attractions to draw a wider range of tourists. Also, enhancing the overall tourism experience and improving the quality of tourist services will help establish Macao as a top-tier tourist destination.

One key area of potential growth for Macao's tourism industry is the "MICE" (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) sector. The city has world-class conference and exhibition facilities, as well as a wealth of hotel and dining options, making it a prime destination for international business events. By capitalizing on this potential and investing in the MICE sector, Macao can attract a high-spending segment of tourists, and create a new source of revenue for the local economy.

Another avenue for growth is the development of new attractions, such as cultural and entertainment venues, as well as new theme parks and entertainment centers. This will not only attract new visitors but also encourage people to make repeat visits, helping sustain the growth of the tourism industry in the long term.

In conclusion, Macao's tourism industry faces significant challenges due to the lingering impacts of the pandemic, but it appears to be making a strong recovery. The SAR has been able to effectively control the spread of the virus, and has implemented measures to support its tourism industry, which is now seeing increased tourist footfalls. This is a positive sign for Macao's tourism industry, and it is likely to remain a popular destination for travelers in the coming years.

Despite the lingering impacts of the pandemic on Macao's tourism industry, however, the future of the region's tourism industry is promising. By leveraging new opportunities and working with the private sector to enhance the overall tourism experience, Macao can continue to be a thriving destination for tourists from around the world.

The author is an assistant professor at the School of Liberal Arts, Macau University of Science and Technology.

The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.