Sands China Ltd. President Wilfred Wong Ying-wai said yesterday that the Chinese New Year was “full of surprises”, adding that he was “optimistic” about The Londoner Macao’s occupancy rate during the long holiday.
Wong made the remarks yesterday on the sidelines of integrated resort’s opening ceremony on the premises of the former Sands Cotai Central property.
Wong said that “Chinese New Year is always Chinese New Year”, adding that many people from the mainland would play [gamble in casinos] in Macau for “good luck”. He said that during the Christmas and New Year period, The Londoner had a soft opening and he was happy with the occupancy rate during that time. He also said that opening The Londoner gives potential tourists from the mainland a reason to pay a visit to Macau.
Wong also said that a lot of visitors were still waiting for details about their hometowns’ COVID-19 prevention measures. He underlined that the Chinese New Year period does not only include the first three days of the Chinese New Year but the first fifteen days of the holiday because a lot of visitors try to avoid the crowds on the first few days and decide to visit after the busiest period.
When asked by the media when he expected The Londoner to break-even, Wong said that it would depend on the city’s economic recovery. He added that his company looks at the “long-term”, adding that people cannot always compare each property’s success with Sands’ first establishment in Macau, which was a “miracle”.
The Sands Macao casino in Nape opened to huge crowds in May 2004.
Wong noted that Macau’s tourism sector heavily relies on mainland tourists and as the COVID-19 pandemic slowly recovers and Macau reconnects with the world The Londoner provides a luxurious option for visitors. He stressed that he was “optimistic” about the second half of this year.
According to Wong, besides the gaming aspects, The Londoner also provides other entertainment facilities such as themed restaurants, “picturesque” attractions, and a 6,000-seating performance complex slated to open soon.
When asked about the government’s upcoming casino concession bidding process, Wong said his company would listen to the government’s “instructions”. He added that he was still waiting for the government’s timeline.
Opening ceremony
According to a statement provided by Sands China during the ceremony, The Londoner Macao is a British-themed reimagining of the Sands Cotai Central integrated resort, offering a traditional yet contemporary British hospitality experience. The statement pointed out that The Londoner will be opening progressively throughout 2021.
The statement said that yesterday’s opening ceremony took place in the main lobby, named Crystal Palace, which is designed in classic Victorian style. The statement noted that the first phase of opening includes The Londoner Hotel, which comprises about 600 deluxe suites, 14 of which have been designed by David Beckham.
Beckham said in a virtual speech during the ceremony that he felt very grateful to be part of the development, adding that Sands China had not only brought his home town to Macau, but also the first David Beckham Suites.
The opening ceremony was officiated over by Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Vice Chairman Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macau Deputy Director Yan Zhichan, Acting Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Foreign Ministry of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Macau Wang Dong and Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, among others.
The event also featured a video tribute in honour of company founder Sheldon G. Adelson, who passed away last month.
This handout photo provided by Sands China Ltd. shows the company’s President Wilfred Wong Ying-wai delivering a speech during yesterday’s opening ceremony of The Londoner Macao at the integrated resort’s Crystal Palace. Photos: Prisca Tang
A London-style interactive phone booth has been installed at The Londoner Macao.
The exterior of The Londoner Macao is still under construction yesterday.
