Inside Asian Gaming

March 2013 | INSIDE ASIAN GAMING 31 The International Indian Film Academy awards were held at The Venetian Macao in 2009. between The Venetian and Sands Cotai Central and The Venetian and other properties on Cotai. The Venetian is considered a destination attraction. It’s a thematic attraction. Therefore, it is sustainable in its own right as a destination. And the market wants to experience that product.When we go outside of TheVenetian our focus is on building demand to Cotai and Macau. So the key learning is: it’s first about building the awareness of Macau and the diversification of Macau. I think we’re very fortunate that when The Venetian opened in 2007, it was the first of its kind in Asia. Therefore, it’s highly regarded and highly recognized as a leader in the integrated resort model, as an aspirational destination product. And across Cotai it’s really about building demand and awareness of how Macau has changed over the years and now has an integrated resort model that is good for tourism and leisure in general. How do you see the future of Cotai? Firstly, in the hotel/hospitality sector, there is actually no more exciting place in the world to be working at the moment than here. What’s actually happening here is about diversification, it’s about growth. It’s exciting. That vision and knowing what’s coming on board is exciting. Each one of the brands that we have complements the other. Four Seasons is that boutique property within the Plaza that those who don’t want that mass product at The Venetian have the ability to escape to. Sands Cotai Central takes away components of The Venetian as a thematic destination and becomes more an international brand destination that appeals more to families with the Holiday Inn brand and the Sheraton brand, a new level of accessibility that The Venetian couldn’t have before, whilst the Conrad complements that overall integrated resort offering as a luxury hotel focusing on flawless service.