A celebration was held for Sands Macao’s 20th anniversary last night at the property’s outdoor fountain, with the event featuring a night of performances and fireworks.
Sands Macao, Las Vegas Sands’ first property in Macau, first opened on May 18, 2004. Sands China now has five properties in Macau, four of which are in Cotai, and altogether feature over 12,000 hotel rooms and suites, 150 dining options, over 720 duty-free shops and entertainment at two arenas and four theatres, a statement provided at the event noted.
Sands China Executive Vice Chairman Wilfred Wong Ying Wai said in a speech that Sands China’s five properties have recorded over 950 million visits since 2004, with the company’s total investment in Macau exceeding US$ 15 billion (120.5 billion patacas).
Wong said: “The grand inauguration of Sands Macao in 2004 served as the pivotal moment in Macau’s illustrious era of tourism. Drawing inspiration from the triumphant integrated resort model of Las Vegas, we subsequently embarked on a transformative journey that reshaped the Cotai skyline, effectively materialising the visionary aspirations of our esteemed founder, Mr Sheldon G. Adelson. Sands Macao is unequivocally where it all began”.
“Sands China brims with confidence in the future of Macau. Guided by the exceptional leadership of the two governments and fortified by the unwavering support of society at large, we shall persist in our pursuit of innovation, unveiling novel experiences for residents and tourists alike”, Wong added.
The celebration event was attended by guests including National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong Weng Chon, who represented Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng; and Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, who represented Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong.
Local singer German Ku (古淖文) and London’s West End artiste Kayleigh Stephenson delivered performances at the event, which was followed by a gala dinner at the property.
Sands China Executive Vice Chairman Wilfred Wong Ying-wai delivers a speech during yesterday’s Sands Macao 20th Anniversary Ceremony at the property’s outdoor fountain. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
A firework show takes place outside the proeprty
