MACAO, May 15 (Xinhua) -- The gross domestic product (GDP) of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) grew by 7.1 percent year-on-year in real terms in the first quarter of 2026, according to data released Friday by the SAR's Statistics and Census Service (DSEC).

The DSEC attributed the rise to a notable increase in exports of services, driven by surging visitor arrivals during the Chinese New Year holidays and other festive events.

The census service said exports of services increased by 12.8 percent year-on-year, while exports of other tourism services rose by 17.5 percent. Private consumption expenditure grew by 3.4 percent year-on-year. (1 pataca equals 0.12 U.S. dollar) ■