Can you imagine 1.1 billion people visiting one place? Sands China’s properties in Macao have done just that, welcoming a staggering number of guests over two decades! From the iconic Venetian to The Londoner, their commitment to world-class entertainment and non-gaming attractions is redefining global tourism. What an incredible milestone!
Sands China celebrates a monumental achievement, surpassing 1.1 billion visitors to its integrated resorts in Macao, marking a significant chapter in its two-decade commitment to the region’s development as a global tourism and leisure hub. This milestone underscores the company’s sustained investment in diverse non-gaming offerings that have profoundly reshaped the Cotai Strip and established Macao as a premier international destination.
The grand occasion was recently commemorated with a special welcome ceremony held at The Venetian® Macao, the company’s flagship property, to honor the 1.1 billionth guest. Executives, including Dr. Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman, and Grant Chum, Chief Executive Officer, presented unique surprises to the lucky visitor, symbolizing Sands China’s remarkable journey along the iconic Cotai Strip, which has become synonymous with world-class entertainment and hospitality.
Coinciding with this momentous visitor count was the 18th anniversary of The Venetian Macao, a perennial favorite among international travelers and a must-visit landmark in the region. This dual celebration highlights the enduring legacy of Sands China’s properties, which began transforming Macao’s landscape nearly two decades ago, laying the groundwork for its current status as a vibrant economic and cultural center.
Sands China’s story in Macao commenced in 2004 with the pioneering Sands Macao, the region’s first integrated hotel and entertainment complex, which established a blueprint for future developments. The subsequent debut of The Venetian Macao in 2007, then the world’s second-largest building, marked a new era for large-scale integrated resorts. This expansion continued with The Plaza Macao (2008), Sands Cotai Central (2012, now The Londoner Macao), and The Parisian Macao (2016), collectively creating a seamlessly connected, European-themed destination that dramatically altered Cotai’s skyline.
These iconic developments have been instrumental in laying a crucial foundation for Macao’s strategic efforts to diversify its economic base beyond gaming. By offering a comprehensive array of business, tourism, and leisure experiences, Sands China has significantly contributed to the city’s ambition to become a world center of tourism and leisure. This diversification is key to attracting a broader spectrum of global visitors and ensuring long-term sustainable growth for the region.
Dr. Wong emphasized that surpassing 1.1 billion arrivals not only represents a company milestone but also profoundly demonstrates the enduring popularity of Macao’s tourism offerings and the resilience of its economic development. He attributed this success to the unwavering support of government entities, the dedicated efforts of 27,000 team members, and the solidarity of over 2,500 suppliers. Sands China’s deep commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement further solidifies its role as a vital contributor to Macao’s prosperity.
Looking ahead, Sands China is dedicated to continued collaboration with local authorities and substantial investment in non-gaming projects. This strategic focus aims to further enhance Macao’s “golden business card” as an international metropolis, showcasing its distinctive charm to a global audience. Through overseas roadshows and initiatives promoting the integration of sports, culture, and tourism, Sands China actively works to enrich visitor experiences and elevate Macao’s reputation for hospitality, entertainment, and gourmet offerings.
Sands China’s cumulative investment in Macao exceeds MOP 134.5 billion, consistently driving the city’s development as a world center of tourism and leisure. Its integrated resorts boast over 10,000 hotel rooms, 150 dining options, and 760 retail outlets. Furthermore, they feature the region’s premier meetings and conventions destination, encompassing more than 150,000 square meters, alongside two arenas and four theaters with a combined seating capacity exceeding 25,000, underscoring the vast scale of its offerings.
As the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao, Sands China Ltd. (HKEx: 1928), a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands, continues to pursue its vision of transforming Macao into a world center of tourism and leisure. Its portfolio, including The Venetian Macao, The Plaza Macao, The Parisian Macao, The Londoner Macao, and Sands Macao, provides a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions, transportation, and world-class entertainment, connecting visitors seamlessly across the Cotai Strip and beyond.