Northstar

www.travelweekly-asia.com | 23 HOSPITALITY Macau has always enjoyed popularity as a gaming destination, but the scene is progressively changing and evolving into one that sees the city as an attractive option for leisure and entertainment activities. With the emphasis on non- gaming revenue, which used to account for 50% of GDP, Macau is revving up its focus on other activities and attractions, of which the city has much to tap into. CHANGING VIEWPOINTS Sands Resorts Macao, a leading integrated resort in Asia, is well positioned to welcome this growing market. "The number of children you see on our properties is remarkable. We have always been focused on the family traveller right from the beginning, and we see this market for family travellers growing exponentially," said Ruth Boston, VP, destination marketing and sales, Sands Resorts Cotai Strip Macao. There is still a lot of misconception about Macau, and Boston wants to change that. By Esther Faith Lew A vibrant calendar of entertainment performances and popular attractions keep visitors busy at Sands Resorts Macao. Dreamworks theme parks and experiences," said Boston. She also shared that arrivals used to spend two nights in Hong Kong and one night in Macau, but it is now the other way around, and even ust acau a reection of tour operators recognising the entertainment value of Macau. or the first time in acau over the past 10 years, the number of overnight arrivals exceeded that of same-day visitors, registering a year-on-year increase of nearly 10%. Sands Resorts Macao comprises eight hotel and resort venues such as The Venetian and The Parisian, including Sands Resorts Cotai Strip "Our big push over the next few years is to educate visitors on Macau's tourism propositions." – Ruth Boston, VP, destination marketing and sales, Sands Resorts Cotai Strip Macao Families come first Reception at The Parisian Macao "Our big push over the next few years is to educate visitors on Macau's tourism propositions. I have had big groups from Australia and the U.S. come here, and they were amazed by what Sands Resorts and the city have to offer. They had no idea we have such dazzling attractions and rich local heritage. So, you can expect a lot of fam trips and marketing activations from us," said Boston. She also shared that visitors are now becoming very comfortable in pursuing holiday options in the city, and she sees the opportunity to continue to develop strong source markets of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, India and Indonesia. Macau, which currently enjoys high overnight arrivals, also provides an opportunity for Sands Resorts Macao to convert and extend their length of stay. "The more we build, the longer they stay. There are definitely more activities for visitors to indulge in. We have a good calendar of year-round events; there is a concert every other weekend, and we host many world-class visiting performers around the world, including our Planet J and HOT PICK The group's latest addition, The Parisian, was enthusiastically received and has attracted large groups of visitors since its opening in September last year. Its half scale of the Eiffel Tower, French-themed rooms and architecture are designed to evoke the grandeur of the la belle époque. The luxuriously elegant and plush lobby and reception area belie the fact that the property is positioned as a four-star hotel. Children will be entertained by its Qube Kingdom, a 1,858-sqm play area offering ball pools, climbing nets, gaming consoles, a grand carousel and more; as well as Aqua World with its water features and slides, while adults may enjoy fine dining options and shopping at its boutiques with over 170 brands. properties Sands Macao, The St Regis Macao, Conrad Macao, Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Sheraton Grand Macao and Holiday Inn Macao.

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