Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area posts strong tourism growth and high hotel occupancy as the 15th National Games approach, transforming the region into a dynamic hotspot for both sports and leisure tourism. With its impressive infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and growing appeal as a multi-destination travel hub, the GBA is experiencing an influx of international and domestic visitors. The 15th National Games, scheduled to take place across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, have not only sparked increased interest in sports tourism but have also created a ripple effect, boosting flight bookings and hotel occupancy rates across the region. As the Games draw closer, the area’s tourism and hospitality sectors are poised for significant growth, with airlines ramping up services and hotels preparing for record demand. With this surge in tourism, the GBA is fast becoming a prime destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of world-class sports events, rich cultural experiences, and seamless cross-border travel.

574% Increase of Booking Trends for The 15th National Games within the Greater Bay Area

For the Greater Bay Area (GBA), the closest cities of Macau, Guiyang, and Hong Kong are becoming accessible for tourists with the 15th National Games and Sports Events coming their way. Their 5-star hotel chains (Crowne Sanya, Grand Sanya, Marriott, Hilton, and Sheraton) are reaching high levels of full capacity. Thriving Sports and Leisure Destination to be.

With more Sports Events coming within the 15th Games, and with the Tourism Sector (Airlines and Hotels) partnering with the Games hosting, the speed of the integration of Sports and Tourism with the GBA and the National Games will impact positively in the long term. The spikes in hotel occupancy, widening air connections, and a more diverse range of flight services to the GBA and National Games destinations support this position.

The Fast Growth of Tourism Within The Greater Bay Area

The period leading up to the 15th National Games has seen a continuing rise in tourism in the greater bay area. Consequently, the continued rise in both domestic and international tourism to the area has seen the tourism business boom. While in the Guangdong Province alone the first half of 2025 saw international inbound tourism grow by 30%, visiting over 39 million tourists to the region, Guangdong tourism revenues grew to over 98.8 billion rmb or 13.5 billion usd.

With the continued rise in access and location, GBA has become a primary tourism hotspot as visitors can pass rapidly through the advanced infrastructure of connected cities of Hong Kong, Macao, and Guangdong. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge cuts cross-border travel time. Therefore tourists can travel to different cities to sample the cultural, culinary and entertainment offerings of all cities in the region.

High Hotel Occupancy and a Flourishing Hospitality Industry in the GBA

There has been a notable surge in the hospitality sector in the Greater Bay Area, with many hotels functioning at full capacity. Macao hotels recorded a fantastic 89.1% occupancy rate in the first semester of 2025, showing the high need for hotels in this busy locale. Demand for hotels in Hong Kong and Guangdong is also on the rise.

The increase of accommodation demand is due to the region’s thriving tourism. More and more travelers, both foreign and national, are coming to the region. This has also happened because a number of new high-end hotels and luxury resorts are being constructed. More and more travelers are coming to the region, creating a surge in demand for high-end hotels and luxury resorts, particularly in Macao and Hong Kong. The region, GBA, has a number of internationally recognized hotels, including the popular Four Seasons and The Ritz-Carlton, as well as boutique hotels with a more personalized experience.

With the 15th National Games fast approaching, those intending to visit GBA for the first time are advised to consider booking their accommodation early, as hotel rooms are likely to be fully booked and the rates are likely to increase due to higher demand. For those with travel plans to Guangdong, the region contains many hotels, including budget hotels as well as more expensive and luxury hotels.

GBA Connectivity for the Airline Sector

Tourism to GBA is directly proportional to the increase in connectivity with the region, and in the context of the upcoming 15th National Games, airlines are likely to increase the availability of flights to the region due to increased demand. Leading airlines are also expected to open new routes to the GBA, including Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines, as well as China Southern Airlines.

Cathay Pacific, one of the region’s most dominant airlines, has already boosted its flight schedule out of Hong Kong to various locations around the world. With the 15th National Games approaching, the airline will likely continue to ramp up its schedule to facilitate travel to the GBA for tourists. Singapore Airlines also has strengthened its position in the area by adding flights to Hong Kong and Macao. With these airlines and many others, travel to the GBA from most major cities around the world will become increasingly more convenient for tourists.

Concerning tourists heading to Guangdong, there has been a sharp increase in the number of direct flights from large international airports such as London, New York, and Sydney. The largest airline in the region, China Southern Airlines, has increased the number of flights to the GBA from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. No matter if you travel to Hong Kong, Macao, or Guangzhou, there will be no shortage of flights to and from the region.

Travelers love the convenience of the many nearby airports such as Hong Kong International Airport, Macao International Airport, and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to access the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Once you arrive and land you can easily access the rest of the GBA as the region has great transport systems including high speed rail and buses. Flying to the region is convenient and quick thanks to the many transportations systems

Travel Tips for Tourists Visiting the GBA

15th National Games and the period after can see greater number of tourists visiting the GBA. Kindly use the following travel tips to help improve the convenience and enjoyment for your trip to the GBA.

1. Book Your Flights and Hotels Early: There has been a tourism boom in the region and is likely to continue, so you want to secure your trip before prices and options are limited
2. Consider Multi-City Travel: You should plan to visit multiple cities in the GBA as it is convenient to travel between. You can visit Hong Kong, Macao, and the province of Guangdong in one trip so plan for multiple cities in your itinerary.

Use the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge saves a lot of time when travelling between all three places. It also allows deeper regional exploration and effective travels to and from Hong Kong, Macao and most of Guangdong.

Visa and Entry Requirements: Entry and visa requirements differ depending on the cities. Make sure to understand the entry requirements for each city, especially since these requirements differ between Hong Kong and Macao. It’s also important to understand the entry policies before you travel.

Keep Updated With The 15th National Games: If you’re in the GBA for the National Games, know the event schedule beforehand and get your tickets for the sporting events you want to see, especially the popular ones. Otherwise you might get disappointed when you have to skip a sport event due to a full house.

Beyond the Major Cities: The Greater Bay Area has a lot to offer aside from the big tourist spots in Hong Kong, Macao and Guangzhou. Make sure to also check the less popular places and cities like Zhuhai and Foshan.

Expect Peak Travel Periods: You should get ready for peak travel times when the National Games take place. The GBA will be very busy for the duration of the Games, so expect long lines for the airports, tourist sites, and public transport. Because of this, you will have to be ready to travel differently.

Details of Flights and Airlines that Service the GBA

This is the GBA and what the main travel companies that fly here as Cathay Air: Flies from New York, London, and Sydney to Hong Kong and for the National Games has more flights making it very good for customers needing to travel to the GBA.

This is the GBA and what the main travel companies that fly here as Singapore Airlines: Regular flights to Hong Kong and Macao and because of their good flights and services it makes them a great choice for a lot of customers.

This is the GBA and what the main travel companies that fly here as China Southern Airlines: Flies from all over the world and because it is the largest airline from the region it can fly from a lot of places to Guangzhou, making is a good and and efficient flight service, especially for people from the Beijing and Shanghai areas.

This is the GBA and what the main travel companies that fly here as Air Macao: Flights to Macao and only flights to a few places makes them very good for people that are travelling to Macao and only that area.

5. Hong Kong Airlines: This airline provides affordable, direct flights to Hong Kong. Because of this, it is a good choice of airline when you are trying to get to the GBA.

Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area posts strong tourism growth and high hotel occupancy as the 15th National Games approach, boosting the region’s appeal for sports and leisure tourism. With enhanced connectivity and rising demand, the GBA is becoming a top destination for global travelers.

Exploring the Best of the GBA: A Traveler’s Guide

Optimistic sports enthusiasts coming to watch the National Games, and other GBA explorers, will love the plethora of options available. There are sprawling shopping centres and an impressive skyline in the bustling city of Hong Kong. There is a rich culture to explore and a large variety of shopping opprortunites. Macao is a city where you will find large entertainment complexes and is historically rich, Also, it is a blend of architectural styles: Portuguese and Chinese. It is a city where you will find luxury. There are several large cities in Goudong Province where you will find bustling shopping centres, large green spaces and a variety of foods.

2025 will see the GBA hosting the National Games. This will showcase the GBA as a location of great Chinese sporting talent. This will bring even more attention to the GBA. Focused on the sports-tourism, the GBA will become a top location for clients to experience World-Class Sporting events and culture.

Travelers have more opportunities to experience the Greater Bay Area like never before! From the modern buildings of Guangzhou to the traditional Macao cobblestone streets, the experience is one-of-a-kind! Whether you are visiting the National Games or looking for adventure, the Greater Bay Area looks forward to receiving you!

As this region embraces sports tourism, feel free to book a flight to the Greater Bay Area and its many thrilling adventures!