Las Vegas Sands and Sands China came together to host an extravagant grand celebration at The Londoner Macao, marking the beginning of a new era for the iconic Cotai Strip. With the completion of The Londoner Macao, the visionary dream of Las Vegas Sands founder Sheldon G. Adelson for the Cotai Strip has finally been realized, further solidifying the company’s commitment to Macao.

In a spectacular event themed “The Journey Begins,” The Londoner Macao showcased its ambitious redesign, symbolizing a fresh chapter for the Cotai Strip. This British-themed integrated resort, an exquisite reimagination of the Sands Cotai Central, has undergone two years of refinement in anticipation of the influx of visitors now that Macao has reopened to the world.

A Grand Celebration event was held for The Londoner Macao Thursday at The Londoner Arena, attended by David Beckham and Macao’s top officials and business leaders.

The celebration also marked the commencement of a new 10-year gaming concession for Sands China Ltd. As the company embarks on this exciting phase, it has reaffirmed its dedication to Macao, its people, and its economy by pledging a massive investment of US$3.7 billion (MOP 30.2 billion) in the city over the next decade.

To commemorate this momentous occasion, Sands China rolled out the red carpet for international celebrities and VIPs, hosting them for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Among the esteemed guests were the legendary UK soccer icon and Sands global ambassador, David Beckham, and top officials and business leaders from Macao.

The grand celebration featured awe-inspiring performances by China’s globally renowned piano virtuoso Lang Lang, Hong Kong singer-songwriter G.E.M., and inner Mongolian vocalist Ayanga. The Londoner Macao showcased its “Be My Guest” campaign, captivating the attendees with splendour. After the festivities, guests indulged in an intimate gala dinner and a mesmerizing performance by the British jazz vocal legend Jamie Cullum.

This extravagant celebration marked the realization of Sheldon G. Adelson’s vision for the Cotai Strip as one of the world’s most spectacular leisure destinations. As the late Chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corp., Adelson recognized the enormous potential of Cotai and made substantial investments in its development. The Londoner Macao, along with all of Sands China’s other resorts in Cotai, has turned that vision into reality, raising the bar for hospitality, entertainment, and gourmet experiences in Macao.

The Londoner Macao: A Jewel in Cotai’s Crown

The Londoner Macao, a dazzling fusion of British style, tradition, and hospitality, comprises five luxurious hotels, including the award-winning all-suite flagship, The Londoner Hotel, and the ultra-luxurious Londoner Court. With nearly 6,000 rooms and suites, the resort offers a global take on English elegance.

Guests can indulge in three spas, four health clubs, and more than 20 dining options within the resort. The boutiques showcase products from 150 world-renowned brands, while the state-of-the-art conference facilities, including the new 6,000-seat The Londoner Arena, cater to various business needs.

Every aspect of The Londoner Macao exudes a British design aesthetic, drawing inspiration from iconic elements such as Mayfair clubs and Cool Britannia chic. The resort’s highlights include an imposing façade modelled after the Palace of Westminster and Houses of Parliament, which comes alive with the breathtaking Londoner Light and Sound Spectacular during evenings. A life-size replica of London’s iconic Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) chimes every hour, while a costumed “Changing of the Guard” performance recreates the daily ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The glass-covered porte-cochère entrance takes inspiration from a similar feature at London’s Victoria Station. With its intricate, 10-story-high ceiling, the Crystal Palace atrium is a version of the Victorian design icon, crafted with glass, iron, and marble. Additionally, guests can marvel at a full-scale reproduction of the famed Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain with its Anteros Statue, reminiscent of London’s Piccadilly Circus.

With investments totalling approximately US$2 billion (MOP 16 billion), The Londoner Macao seamlessly connects with The Parisian Macao, The Venetian Macao, and The Plaza Macao. Together, they form a resort city where the grandeur of Europe harmoniously blends with the vibrant energy of Cotai, offering an unforgettable experience to visitors in Macao.

A Vision for Future Growth

Las Vegas Sands Chairman and CEO Robert G. Goldstein expressed his pride in Sands China for realizing Sheldon Adelson’s vision and transforming Cotai into a world-class tourist destination. Goldstein emphasized that the launch of The Londoner Macao and the investment in non-gaming infrastructure would play a crucial role in the future growth of Cotai. He further expressed excitement in supporting the Macao government’s vision of developing a highly diversified tourism industry, including enhanced MICE offerings, new sporting and cultural events, elevating Macao’s reputation as a global City of Gastronomy, and embracing the city’s unique cultural heritage.

Investing in the Local Community

The grand celebration at The Londoner Macao showcased Sands China’s ongoing commitment to making Macao a better place to live for all. The company actively engages in corporate giving, volunteerism, hardship alleviation, conservation, and outreach through its Sands Cares program. This global corporate citizenship initiative encompasses programs such as the Family Health and Wellness Series, the Accelerator program supporting nonprofits, and the Ambassador program for team member volunteerism.

Sands China is also deeply involved in promoting arts and culture through initiatives like the Art Talent Development Showcase and Sands Performing Arts Program and operating Sands Gallery, which showcases established and emerging artists. The company recently established the Sands Resorts Incubation Centre to identify and nurture promising young tech innovators and startups.

Dr Wilfred Wong, President of Sands China Ltd., highlighted that The Londoner Macao would serve as a platform for giving back to the local community. He thanked the central and Macao governments for their continuous support and guidance, community partners for their collaborations, and team members for their dedication. Wong emphasized the company’s commitment to contributing to Macao’s development as a global centre for tourism and leisure.

The grand celebration witnessed the presence of notable guests, including Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Mr Lei Wai Nong, Representative of the Chief Executive of the Macao SAR and Secretary for Economy and Finance; Dr Miriam Adelson, Co-founder of Las Vegas Sands Corp.; Mr Robert G. Goldstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp.; Mr Patrick Dumont, President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp.; Mr David Beckham, Sands Global Ambassador; Ms Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Dr Wilfred Wong, President of Sands China Ltd.; Mr Grant Chum, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Sands China Ltd.; and Mr Dave Sun, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sands China Ltd. and Managing Director of Venetian Macau Limited.

Written by: Kevin Hall

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