Jesko Von Den Steinen
Sands China’s new integrated resort, The Parisian Macao is expected to bring a ‘touch of Paris’ to the region when it opens later this month.
Speaking on the sidelines of the France Macau Business Association’s Breakfast Meeting last week, Jesko Von Den Steinen, senior advisor for the Parisian Brand Identity noted that the nearly USD3 billion resort would stand out in the Cotai Strip with its unique architecture and quality of service.
“It’s about creating an overall aligned experience. If we can do that then I think people will have a memorable time and [they] would want to come back, and hopefully we can stand out,” he told the Times.
Given the recent decline in the number of mainland Chinese tourists arriving in the region, the senior advisor hopes that the opening of the Paris-themed resort will help boost the number of tourist arrivals. However, he noted that all resorts in the region could collaborate on providing an eclectic experience for Macau’s tourists.
According to the expert, The Parisian Macao aims to attract leisure travelers rather than pure gaming customers, stressing that consulting firms’ studies show that a large portion of tourists desire a different type of experience when visiting the city.
“Elegant, charming, artistic, romantic and celebratory,” are the key elements forming the brand identity of the fourth Sands China integrated resort.
“We’re seeing a lighter, whimsical [ambience]. This is the intent we’re pushing on board. We’re trying to reach different parts of the market that way,” he described.
In terms of foot traffic, Steinen said they are seeing an average of 80,000 to 120,000 visitors coming to the doors of The Venetian, and he hoped the new resort would receive the same number of visitors.
“The hope is that there will be considerable traffic coming to the space and I think that’s the intent. […]. Hopefully the client that comes to The Venetian is looking for a different experience than the [client] that goes to The Parisian,” he explained.
The resort, scheduled to open September 13, has employed 6,300 people, of which 60 percent work in the non-gaming department.
Steinen also emphasized that Macau’s history gives the region a competitive advantage and that the Cotai strip also takes part in the “cultural nuances.”
According to Steinen, nearly all of the hotel rooms and family-friendly spaces, as well as 85 percent of the retail spaces, will be functioning on the resort’s first day.
The Parisian Macao was inspired by the famed “City of Lights” Paris, and will feature an array of accommodation, dining, shopping and entertainment facilities. Lynzy Valles
green light to 150 new gaming tables
Sands China has been given the green light to set up 150 new gaming tables in The Parisian Macao, according to a statement made by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong, and cited by TDM. Regarding the expected end of the 26-month decline in gaming revenue, Leong advised there is the need to wait for September’s gaming industry results. “In fact there’s still some uncertainty and volatility, especially when it comes to September. In previous years, gaming revenue in September has been lower than that of August,” he said.
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