The Londoner® Macao was filled with excitement as they prepared to host a grand celebration that evening, marking the completion of the integrated resort’s ambitious redesign and ushering in a new era for the Cotai Strip.
Over the past two years, the Sands® Cotai Central integrated resort had undergone a bold British-themed transformation to become The Londoner Macao, in anticipation of the anticipated influx of visitors now that Macao had reopened its doors to the world.
The event, titled “The Journey Begins,” not only served as a celebration of the resort’s new look but also commemorated the beginning of a fresh 10-year gaming concession for Sands China Ltd. As the company embarked on this new phase, it made a firm commitment to Macao, its people, and its economy by pledging to invest $3.7 billion (MOP 30.2 billion) in the city over the next decade.
Sands China spared no expense in rolling out the red carpet for international celebrities and VIPs, marking their first visit since the Covid-19 pandemic emerged. Among the distinguished guests were David Beckham, the UK soccer icon and Sands global ambassador, as well as top officials and business leaders from Macao.
China’s world-renowned piano virtuoso, Lang Lang, Hong Kong’s singer-songwriter G.E.M., and Ayanga, a celebrated Chinese musical theatre artist, vocalist, and actor, mesmerized the audience with their stellar performances at The Londoner Macao.
The event further unfolded with the introduction of the “Be My Guest” campaign, which showcased the resort’s unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional hospitality.
Following the captivating performances, guests were treated to an intimate gala dinner, which featured a superb musical performance by the legendary British jazz vocalist, Jamie Cullum, further enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.
This grand celebration marked the realization of Sheldon G. Adelson’s visionary aspirations for the Cotai Strip to become one of the world’s most remarkable leisure destinations. As the late Chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corp., Adelson recognized the immense potential of Cotai and made significant investments in its development. The Londoner Macao, along with all of Sands China’s other resorts in Cotai, has successfully brought Adelson’s vision to life, setting new standards for hospitality, entertainment, and gastronomic experiences in Macao.
With its distinctive blend of English style, tradition, and warm hospitality, The Londoner Macao stood as a magnificent complex, encompassing five opulent hotels. Among them, the prestigious all-suite flagship, The Londoner Hotel, garnered recognition for its exceptional quality, while the ultra-luxurious Londoner Court added an extra layer of indulgence. In total, the resort boasted an impressive collection of nearly 6,000 rooms and suites, ensuring a truly lavish experience for its guests.
The Londoner Macao also offered an array of exquisite amenities within its premises. Three luxurious spas and four well-equipped health clubs awaited those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Culinary enthusiasts were spoiled for choice with over 20 dining options, promising a diverse range of gastronomic experiences. Additionally, the resort showcased boutiques from 150 world-renowned brands, inviting guests to indulge in a luxurious shopping experience. For those with business needs, The Londoner Macao featured state-of-the-art conference facilities, including the newly built 6,000-seat The Londoner Arena, capable of hosting large-scale events and gatherings.
The lavish complex of The Londoner Macao showcased a distinct British design aesthetic, drawing inspiration from various elements ranging from the sophistication of Mayfair clubs to the trendy Cool Britannia style. Several notable highlights included:
- An awe-inspiring façade, meticulously modeled after the iconic Palace of Westminster and Houses of Parliament. In the evenings, the resort came alive with the mesmerizing Londoner Light and Sound Spectacular, adding an enchanting touch to the atmosphere.
- A life-size replica of London’s renowned Elizabeth Tower, famously known as Big Ben, which chimed every hour, recreating the familiar melody that resonated throughout the city.
- The resort featured a captivating “Changing of the Guard” performance, complete with elaborate costumes, drawing inspiration from the daily ceremony observed at Buckingham Palace.
- Emulating London’s Victoria Station, The Londoner Macao boasted a glass-covered porte-cochère entrance, inviting guests into a world of elegance and grandeur.
- The Crystal Palace atrium, an impressive recreation of the Victorian design icon, showcased a magnificent blend of glass, iron, and marble, featuring a breathtaking 10-story-high ceiling, reminiscent of the opulence of the era.
- Paying homage to London’s famous Piccadilly Circus, The Londoner Macao proudly presented a full-scale reproduction of the renowned Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, complete with its iconic Anteros Statue.
With refurbishments and new additions amounting to an approximate cost of US$2 billion (MOP 16 billion), The Londoner Macao seamlessly connected with The Parisian® Macao, The Venetian® Macao, and The Plaza® Macao. This harmonious integration resulted in a vibrant resort city where the grandeur of Europe effortlessly converged with the lively ambiance of Cotai, offering visitors to Macao a delightful and unforgettable experience.
Las Vegas Sands Chairman and CEO, Robert G. Goldstein, expressed the fulfillment of Sheldon Adelson’s vision through the ongoing development of Cotai, stating, “Sands China has delivered on Sheldon Adelson’s vision through the ongoing development of Cotai. Where 250 acres of empty reclaimed land once sat, we have built one of the world’s leading tourist destinations with an incredible future ahead of it.” Goldstein emphasized that the launch of the iconic The Londoner Macao, along with further investments in non-gaming infrastructure, would play a prominent role in the future growth of Cotai.
Goldstein expressed excitement in fully supporting the Macao government’s vision for a highly diversified tourism industry, which involves enhanced offerings in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), new sporting and cultural events, the elevation of Macao’s reputation as a global City of Gastronomy, and a celebration of the city’s unique cultural heritage.
The presence of representatives from various community groups at The Londoner Macao’s grand celebration highlighted Sands China’s ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents. The company actively engages in corporate giving, volunteerism, hardship alleviation, conservation, and outreach through its Sands Cares program, the global corporate citizenship program of Las Vegas Sands. Notable initiatives include the Family Health and Wellness Series, the Accelerator program supporting nonprofits, and the Ambassador program encouraging team member volunteerism.
Sands China also promotes artistic and cultural development through the Art Talent Development Showcase, Sands Performing Arts Program, and Sands Gallery, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists. Recently, the company launched the Sands Resorts Incubation Centre, aimed at identifying promising young tech innovators and startups and providing them with opportunities to develop their products.
Sands China Ltd. President, Dr. Wilfred Wong, emphasized that, like their other properties, The Londoner Macao serves as a hub for giving back to the local community. Wong praised the team members for their community work, stating that The Londoner Macao’s grand celebration marked a new chapter for their social impact projects and an opportunity to strengthen relationships with local partners. He expressed gratitude to the central and Macao governments for their continuous support and guidance, as well as to the community partners and team members for their dedication to contributing to Macao’s development as a global tourism and leisure hub.
The esteemed guests presiding over tonight’s grand celebration included 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.
