The opening of Galaxy Macau Phase 3 has been postponed until 2022, with Galaxy Entertainment Group citing restrictions to workforce access due to COVID-19 for the delay.
The latest addition to GEG’s flagship property, which is set to include the Galaxy International Convention Center, a number of new hotels plus more gaming and retail space, had been scheduled to open in late 2021.
But GEG Vice Chairman Francis Lui told media during the company’s 2Q21 results announcement press conference that, pending government approvals, it was now aiming for an early 2022 launch.
“Given the situation where the pandemic is still not under full control it is very hard to determine the exact date of the opening, because the pandemic to a certain extent determines our access to building materials and workers coming to Macau,” said Lui.
“Within our capabilities we are trying to manage it well and we hope that by early next year, part of the Phase 3 project can be commissioned and opened for business.”
GEG Chairman Dr Lui Che Woo said the company was hoping to open at least one new hotel by the end of 2021, although the all-suite Raffles at Galaxy Macau looks likely to be delayed until next year. Raffles would then be followed by the opening of the Galaxy International Convention Center and Andaz Hotel “in anticipation of the recovery of the MICE and entertainment market,” Dr Lui explained.
GEG revealed during its previous earnings press conference in April that Galaxy Macau Phase 3 and 4 would include a combined eight new hotel brands with 3,000 rooms targeted at the premium segment via high-end family rooms and villas.
Providing an update on Thursday, Francis Lui pointed out that the majority of Phase 3 and Phase 4 offerings would be non-gaming, designed to add a greater variety of components to appeal to a wider audience of travelers to Macau.
Dr Lui added, “We are also proceeding with the construction of Cotai Phase 4, which shows we remain confident in the future of Macau.”
