Melco promotes the unique charm of Macau through “tourism + sports”

Melco Resorts & Entertainment continues to actively support the SAR government’s calls for Macau’s economic diversification, dynamically promoting the coordinated development of “tourism + sports” to contribute to the city’s enhanced status as a world tourism and leisure center.

By hosting large-scale international sporting events, Melco highlights its commitment to providing Macau citizens and tourists with vibrant tourism and entertainment experiences to promote the effect of cross-border integration, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in Macau’s rich and diverse culture, while developing the city into Asia’s premier leisure and entertainment destination.

On December 13, Melco teamed up with the East Asian Super League (EASL) to present one of Asia’s top sporting events to locals and tourists alike at the Studio City Event Center (SCEC). Supported by the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, “Melco Style Presents: Clash of the Champions” featured an intense battle between two of Asia’s biggest pro basketball teams: Meralco Bolts from the Philippines Basketball Association (PBA) and Ryukyu Golden Kings from Japan’s B.League. The event aims to promote the diversified development of the tourism industry and further extend non-gaming entertainment options for tourists visiting Macau. Guests were invited to enjoy the game as the centerpiece of an exciting evening at the Studio City, where world-class dining and entertainment options were also available.

“EASL is excited to be working with Melco Resorts & Entertainment to bring elite East Asian basketball back to the vibrant city of Macau,” said EASL CEO Mr. Matt Beyer. 

“Melco is committed to delivering diversified world-class entertainment options to our guests,” said Mr. Kevin Benning, Senior Vice President and Property General Manager of Studio City. “We are thrilled to be working with EASL to entertain sports fans with premier Asian basketball at Studio City as we strive to help enhance the competitiveness of Macau’s tourism industry through ‘tourism + sports’ integration.” 

Additionally, “Melco Style Presents: 2023 Macau Masters Snooker Tournament”, organized by Victoria Snooker Academy UK and fully supported by the Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government to develop the local sports industry and establish an international sporting image for Macau, will be hosted at Melco’s SCEC from December 22-24. The project aims to elevate the level of snooker events in Macau through the tournament, to develop the sports industry and promote the integrated development of “tourism + sports” in Macau to contribute to the government’s goal of achieving economic diversification. It aims to develop the city as an international platform for exchange while reinforcing the region’s influence globally in the sporting world.

The highly anticipated event has attracted the participation of outstanding players from around the world, including Luca Brecel, winner of 2023 World Snooker Championship, ranked second in the world; Mark Selby, currently ranked fifth in the world and highly popular among fans; John Higgins, ranked ninth and known for his numerous century breaks; Allister Carter, the champion of the 2023 Snooker German Masters and making his first appearance in Macau; Barry Hawkins, the champion of the 2023 European Masters; and Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, the runner-up of the 2023 Six-Red World Championship and a popular Asian player.

The six popular snooker masters will compete for championship in group format at the globally anticipated event, providing an intense and exciting performance for the live audience under SCEC’s electrifying atmosphere. 

Last month, Melco was also one of the major sponsors of the Macau Grand Prix this year, fully supporting this historical, locally branded annual international sporting event. Mr. Clarence Chung, Board Director of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, said, “We are thankful to the SAR government and all contributing organizations for their efforts in once again bringing this series of exciting world-class events to racing fans around the world. Now in its 70th year, the Macau Grand Prix reaches a new milestone, further enhancing the city’s status in the international sporting arena. Melco will continue to proactively work with the SAR government to attract tourists from home and abroad by showcasing Macau’s unique charm through “tourism + sports”, promoting economic diversification and development through increased tourism spending.”

To further enable tourists and residents to experience the excitement of the Macau Grand Prix, Melco presented the Mount Fortress at High-Speed event at the city’s renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site for two weeks between November 10 to 23 to promote Macau’s vibrancy and image as a tourism-friendly city. The event offered two racing-themed photo areas for visitors to take photos with model racing cars and experience the speed and passion of motorsports. A decorative camping and resting area, together with food stalls offering racing-themed light bites were also available, while Grupo de Danças e Cantares de Macau performed Portuguese folk dances.