Overview
The year 2021 in Macau, a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China, was marked predominantly by the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a legislative election, and various socio‑economic developments. The administration continued under Chief Executive Ho Iat‑Seng, who had taken office in December 2019.
Incumbents
| Office | Officeholder |
|---|---|
| Chief Executive | Ho Iat‑Seng |
| President of the Legislative Assembly | Kou Hoi In (served until 16 October 2021); after the 2021 election, the post was held by Chui Sai‑On (elected 16 October 2021) |
Key Events
January–March
- COVID‑19 restrictions: Macau maintained stringent border controls and quarantine measures, limiting the entry of non‑residents and enforcing mandatory 14‑day quarantine for arrivals.
- Economic impact: The tourism sector, a primary driver of Macau’s economy, experienced a continued decline in visitor arrivals, with total tourist numbers remaining below pre‑pandemic levels.
April–June
- Gradual easing: In May, the government announced a phased relaxation of some health measures, allowing limited reopening of hotels, casinos, and restaurants under a “safe entry” scheme that required proof of a negative COVID‑19 test.
- Macau Grand Prix: The annual Macau Grand Prix, traditionally held in November, was cancelled for the second consecutive year due to pandemic‑related health concerns.
July–September
- Legislative election: On 12 September 2021, Macau held its fifth Legislative Assembly election under the current SAR system. Fourteen of the thirty seats were contested by direct election; the remaining seats were filled by indirect election and appointment by the Chief Executive. Pro‑establishment candidates secured the majority of directly elected seats.
- Election results: Voter turnout was approximately 59 %. The newly elected Legislative Assembly convened for its first session on 16 October 2021, during which Chui Sai‑On was elected President of the Assembly.
October–December
- New policies: Post‑election, the administration announced a series of fiscal measures aimed at stimulating tourism and supporting small‑ and medium‑sized enterprises affected by prolonged pandemic restrictions.
- Public health: Throughout the latter part of the year, Macau continued to report low daily COVID‑19 case numbers, largely attributable to its strict border and quarantine policies.
COVID‑19 Pandemic
Macau’s approach to the pandemic emphasized a “zero‑COVID” strategy, combining travel bans, mandatory testing, and quarantine for inbound travellers. By the end of 2021, cumulative confirmed cases remained under 8,000, with a case‑fatality ratio significantly lower than global averages. The SAR’s health system maintained capacity without overwhelming hospitals.
Economy
The Macao Statistics and Census Service reported that the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracted by roughly 12 % in 2020 and showed modest recovery in 2021, with an estimated year‑on‑year growth of 4‑5 % driven primarily by renewed activity in the casino sector following the partial reopening. Nevertheless, tourism numbers remained approximately 60 % lower than in 2019.
Sports
- Macau Grand Prix: The 2021 edition of the Macau Grand Prix, a major international motorsport event, was cancelled for the second year in a row due to health concerns.
- Other events: Local sporting competitions, including the Macau International Marathon, were either postponed or conducted with restricted participation.
Deaths
No widely reported deaths of prominent public figures in Macau were recorded in 2021.
References
- Government of the Macau SAR. “Press Releases – COVID‑19 Updates.” 2021.
- Macau Statistics and Census Service. “Macau’s Economic Indicators 2021.” 2022.
- Legislative Assembly of Macau. “Results of the 2021 Legislative Election.” 12 September 2021.
All information presented reflects data available from official Macau SAR sources, reputable news outlets, and international health organizations as of the end of 2021.