South Korea is bracing for a potential wave of Chinese tourists following Beijing’s decision to allow visa-free group travel to South Korea starting October 2025. The new policy comes amid efforts to revive outbound tourism and thaw relations that had been strained since the THAAD missile defense dispute in 2017. Industry watchers believe this could significantly boost visitor arrivals, particularly for casinos and duty-free businesses, which have long depended on Chinese spending.
The 33-hour shutdown of all Macau casinos during Super Typhoon Ragasa is expected to shave around 5% off September’s gross gaming revenue (GGR), according to analysts from CLSA and IGamiX. CLSA’s Jeffrey Kiang estimated the closure cost operators MOP880 million (US$109.9 million) in lost revenue, based on average daily GGR prior to the storm.
The Queensland Government has deferred suspending The Star Gold Coast’s casino license by 12 months, now set for review in September 2026. Acting on recommendations from Special Manager Nicholas Weeks, officials cited “steady progress” in the operator’s remediation plan, though warned that improvements have been slower than expected due to financial pressures. Acting Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie stressed that while the government is giving Star more time, it retains the right to act immediately if obligations are not met.
In August 2025, the Philippines recorded 457,438 foreign visitor arrivals, down from 508,726 in July and about 3.2 % lower year-on-year, signaling that tourism recovery is facing headwinds. The decline was largely dragged by sharp drops in arrivals from its two key East Asian markets: South Korea and China.
In the aftermath of Super Typhoon Ragasa, which pummeled Macau with hurricane-force winds and severe flooding, Melco Resorts & Entertainment mobilized around 100 volunteers under its “Simple Acts of Kindness” programme to assist the local community. The storm had triggered Macau’s highest typhoon warning — Signal No.10 — and led to widespread disruptions including power outages and flooding in low-lying districts.
Author: Janice Chew • Friday, 26/09/2025
