Although border controls between Macau and Guangdong Province don’t look like easing any time soon, leading executives of some of Macau’s integrated resort operators took the opportunity to jump onto the live streaming e-commerce bandwagon on Taobao on Thursday to promote their products during the “6.18” (June 18) large-scale sale festival.
Targeting mainland Chinese consumers, Sands China and MGM China had already joined the Alibaba-based online travel platform “Fliggy” before sending their bosses to interact with customers on Taobao live streaming. They participated in live streaming rooms to introduce their properties and offer time-limited promotions for viewers with a down-to-earth style, including e-vouchers, lottery draws and giveaways.
Sands China President Dr Wilfred Wong introduced The Shoppes at Venetian Macao, hotel rooms at The Parisian Macao and Sands’ latest exhibition, teamLab SuperNature. The two-hour live streaming event attracted an audience of 25,000 and Wong actively interacted with viewers.
“It’s bleeding price, I need a blood transfusion,” Wong joked on the live stream. “It’s my first time doing live streaming, I hope it’s not the last time.
“Sands China is the biggest integrated resort operator in Macau. We have prepared the best and safeest environments for our guests, so we hope you choose Sands IRs as your first option when visiting Macau after the epidemic.”
MGM China President Hubert Wang also appeared in the live streaming room, introducing MGM Cotai’s characteristic landmarks and featured facilities to viewers.
“Please click more likes and make more orders!” Wang said. “No worries when visiting Macau. Macau hasn’t recorded any new COVID-19 cases for two months. And we have just completed perfect disinfecting and sterilization works in our properties! Just enjoy, no worries!”
Wang even sang the song “Flying high and far” to viewers – meaning everyone can travel to Macau once border controls are eased.
“If you still have a dream, go after it. At least you won’t regret it. Going after the light, I’m just going away for a round,” Wang sang.
Live stream sales are currently the most popular trending marketing style in mainland China nowadays, boosted by recent restrictions on traditional shopping methods as a result of COVID-19.