In 2003, mainland residents were allowed to visit Macao by personal application. In 2008, the outline of the reform and development plan for the Pearl River delta region proposed for the first time the position of Macao as a world tourism and leisure center.

China's 12th and 13th Five-Year Plans also had set forth the major measures to support Macao's development and make it a world center of tourism and leisure.

In 2015, the central government granted the Macao administrative authority for 85 square km of its surrounding sea, giving it an opportunity for marine tourism.