Sands China celebrates 10 years of Venetian Macao

Sands China celebrated the 10th anniversary of The Venetian Macao yesterday, highlighted by a ceremony at the resort’s outdoor lagoon.

Guests enjoyed a masquerade grand parade featuring music and dancing, a light and sound 3D projection on the façade of The Venetian Macao, and a pyrotechnic show. A gala dinner followed, featuring entertainment headlined by Cantopop superstar Joey Yung.

Opened on August 28, 2007, the company’s anchor property on the Cotai Strip – dubbed a “world-class business, leisure and family destination” – was once seen as a risky venture by analysts.

But 10 years on, it continues to draw millions of visitors from around the world each year, testament to its tourist appeal.

Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China, hosted the main ceremony yesterday, with government dignitaries and celebrities present. He said he was “grateful to the Macau government, to the local community, and to our team members as we commemorate this important milestone for The Venetian Macao.”

“This property has a very special place in my heart,” said Chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands and Sands China, Sheldon Adelson, according to a statement released by Sands China.

“It was my wife, Miriam, who first had the inspiration to recreate Venice in Las Vegas, and opening The Venetian Macao in 2007 marked the beginning of my vision for the Cotai Strip. Nothing is more fulfilling to an entrepreneur than to see a vision turned into reality. For me, The Venetian Macao represents exactly that – first a vision and then a reality,” he continued in the statement.

“I’m extremely grateful to every person who helped bring this reality to life and I’m humbled by the dedication and support we’re still receiving 10 years later.”

Adelson had been scheduled to attend the anniversary event, but sustained an injury while traveling to the MSAR. In an announcement, Wong said that the company CEO had fractured three ribs during a ferry ride from Hong Kong. He added that Adelson was in good shape and was expected to make a speedy recovery.

Yesterday’s celebration had originally been scheduled to take place on the actual August 28 anniversary date of the resort, however Sands China decided to postpone the event in light of the aftermath of Typhoon Hato.