Harbourview Hotel.[Photo/IC]

The hotel industry is also riding on the growth. The number of hotel rooms has increased from 9,514 in 1999 to 28,800 in 2013, and the occupancy rate has grown over the same period from 53.7 percent to 83.1 percent.

"The APEC Tourism Ministers Meeting, which was held in Macao this September, promoted the building of a center of tourism and leisure. Macao has also gained more popularity worldwide," said Fernandes, referring to one of the events under the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

Zhang Jing from Shanxi province was in Macao on a two-day business trip and was delighted with the attractions.