Gaming operators push non-gaming attractions
It’s a first for Macau: a promotional campaign from all six leading casino operators.
According to the Macau Daily Times, the campaign, titled “Macau Loves Locals,” kicked off last week at the World Trade Center in the Chinese territory. On hand were representatives of all the gaming concessionaires: Wynn Macau, Sands China, SJM Holdings, Melco Crown, Galaxy Entertainment and MGM China. Secretary for Economy and Finance Lionel Leong and the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau Director Paulo Martins Chan also attended.
The campaign, which will run through March 31, offers deals on non-gaming amenities from 28 hotels, 18 spas and gyms and 186 restaurants, as well as all of the major attractions and programs from the six gaming concessionaires, with discounts that can go from 20 to 50 percent.
“Currently, Macau’s gaming industry is in a period of adjustment, bringing new challenges to the economy and to the local community,” said Leong. “The government has attached great importance to any problems that may arise during this adjustment process, trying to mitigate the consequences in other sectors and eliminate the possibility of unemployment problems resulting from this adjustment.”
He added that the government “has been encouraging the industry to develop non-gaming elements in order to enrich the industry and Macau tourism and support the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, contributing to the reinvention of Macau as an international center of tourism and leisure and for the proper diversification of the territory’s economy.”
Kevin Kelley, COO of Galaxy Entertainment Group, said the campaign will “exceed (guest) expectations, and also have such a positive effect on them that they will choose to share it with their friends and families, not only in Macau but all over the world, and most especially from Mainland China.”
Sands China President Wilfred Wong talked up “discounted concert tickets, free valet parking and discounts on ferry tickets and other family-friendly activities” at company properties. “There will also be free prizes everyday including 1,400 free gondola ride tickets and another 1,400 free DreamWorks character breakfasts, as well as daily lucky draws for shopping and accommodation vouchers.”
Grant Bowie, CEO and executive director of MGM China, called the campaign “a really great opportunity for Macau citizens to discover Macau.
“I believe maybe even our local citizens don’t fully appreciate what’s actually happening to their city in terms of the international quality of non-gaming amenities and facilities that are now available to them,” said Bowie.
And Leong said the promotion reflects a common purpose of local workers and residents “to realize the words, ‘Macau loves me and I love Macau.’”
