Sands China will develop a brand-new hotel tower as part of its plan to expand its exhibition center, Cotai Expo, at The Venetian Macao.
In an interview with Macau Daily News, Sands China President Dr Wilfred Wong revealed that Cotai Expo Phase II and the nearby French garden Le Jardin are currently in the preliminary design stage.
“A hotel will be built above Sands Expo and the project is awaiting government approval,” Dr Wong said.
“Le Jardin is in the design and conceptualization stage, with a team of expert consultants studying the project. The project will occupy an area of 50,000 square meters and is expected to become another landmark in Macau.”
According to Dr Wong, a new hotel was deemed necessary to serve additional business customers as a result of expanding its MICE capabilities via Cotai Expo Phase II.
“If there are no more hotel rooms, we will not be able to cope with the demands of the convention and exhibition,” he said. “We hope that the hotel will be connected to the existing convention and exhibition venues.”
Sands China signed a new 10-year concession contract in December, revealing at a press conference that it had pledged to spend MOP$27.8 billion (US$3.5 billion) on non-gaming initiatives over the life of the concession period. This was to include more MICE facilities and the redevelopment Le Jardin.
Located south of The Londoner Macao, Sands said it intends to turn Le Jardin into a world-class themed garden featuring a signature greenhouse, green space and amenities to provide a year-round attraction for tourists and residents.
Cotai Expo Phase II, which will be built adjacent to the current Cotai Expo and will occupy an area of approximately 18,000 square meters. Upon completion, it will offer a new venue for major international conventions and exhibitions, and be able to host more major events.
News of the new projects comes ahead of the Grand Opening of The Londoner Macao tonight.
Dr Wong revealed that the occupancy rate of the property’s two high-end hotels, The Londoner Hotel and Londoner Court, has reached 90% since the easing of Macau’s border restrictions on 8 January.
“The hotel’s guests are mainly in the 30 to 50-year-old age group and come mainly from the East China region, Guangdong and Hong Kong,” he said.
