This past year has been notable for Macau's hotel industry as Steve Wynn opened up his new Encore Macau in April, next to Wynn Macau, and Mandarin Oriental opened the doors to their new property in June. Travel Agent was told that a third and brand-new Wynn property is scheduled to come to the Cotai area in 2012.
Travel Agent met with Joao Rodrigues, the media and marketing manager for the Macau Government Tourist Office, who told us that Wynn's new property will be a mega resort near the airport and close to the City of Dreams.
Closer on the horizon, Macau expects to open a new Sheraton and Shangri-La property in 2011.
Overall 2010 has been exceptionally good for Macau tours numbers. The U.S. alone is showing an increase of 24.27 percent for September. Total international visitor arrivals have come in at a 17.5 percent increase from January to September.
As far as connectivity to other destinations in Asia, Macau is just 45 minutes via ferry to Hong Kong. There are also flights available to other major Southeast Asia destinations such as Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. Visit Discover Asia Now here.
Rodgrigues tells us that agents need to know that Macau is not just a gambling destination. "There is over 500 years of Portuguese colonial history and culture in Macau," he tells us. "Agents who sell primarily to gamblers are missing out on a whole other market."
Visit www.macautourism.gov.mo/en/index.php.
