Sands China To Roll Out Special Plans To Attract More Foreign Visitors to Macau

Summary:

• Sands China Ltd will roll out multiple measures to bring more overseas customers to Macau
• The company is aiming to get a tax break for the operation of its foreigner-only gaming zone
• Macau’s GGR is still struggling to return to 2019 levels

Sands China Ltd is looking to grow its foreign customer base to take advantage of Macau’s new gaming tax incentive scheme. The company is now awaiting the results of the Macau government’s review of its Q1 figures relating to the operation of its foreigner-only gaming zone. It will determine the tax reduction that will be granted to the company for attracting foreign tourists to the region.

Under Macau’s updated gaming tax regime, casino operators may enjoy a tax break of up to 5% on gross gaming revenue generated by non-Chinese players, subject to approval by the city’s chief executive.

Sands China Ltd Announces Plans to Boost Foreign Visitor Numbers

Wilfred Wong Ying Wai, President of Sands China Ltd, told the media at a recent event at The Venetian Macao that they currently have no idea as to the amount of tax reduction that they would get for Q1 as local authorities have yet to complete their review. But going forward, Sands China will strive to get the most out of the incentive by implementing numerous initiatives to bring more foreign tourists to its Macau properties, he said.

Mr. Wong revealed that they will expand their offices abroad to attract more overseas customers, especially those based in Southeast Asia, Japan, and South Korea. The company will also continue to use private jets to fetch high rollers to Macau, something that the firm has been doing since January when the new concession started.

Additionally, Sands China will launch more promotions targeting foreign visitors. It’s currently offering exclusive hotel packages and other privileges to Singaporean and regional customers in partnership with Macau’s flag-carrier airline, Air Macau Co Ltd, as part of a promotion campaign that runs until June 30.

More promotions are on the way, with Mr. Wong indicating that they will travel to Singapore next month for another promotion campaign. Las Vegas Sands Corp, the parent company of Sands China Ltd, owns and operates the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort in Singapore.

GGR Struggling to Recover Due to Shrinking Junket Business

Mr. Wong acknowledged that it would still be difficult for Macau’s GGR to return to pre-pandemic levels mainly due to the demise of the city’s junket industry. But he noted that the premium mass and mass segments are recovering very well.