Satellite casino operator Emperor Entertainment Hotel Ltd says it wants to capitalize on its popularity among “Chinese-speaking communities” as it embarks on its recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company, which operates Macau’s Grand Emperor Hotel and casino under the license of SJM Resorts, provided the update in its results announcement for the 12 months ended 31 March. Those results included a loss of HK$98.2 million (US$12.5 million) – narrowed from a prior-year loss of HK$528.3 million (US$67.5 million) due to a reduction in impairment losses. Group-wide revenue for the year fell by 30.0% to HK$291.1 million (US$37.2 million) while gaming revenue at Grand Emperor fell by 66.3% to HK$87.7 million (US$11.2 million).
Emperor E also operates four hotels in Hong Kong.
Providing a market update, Emperor E said it had benefited from the reopening of Macau’s borders in January, with visitor arrivals surging in the months since.
“Both personal travel and business travel have resumed, and there has been a notable rebound in consumption and entertainment sentiments,” the company said. “All these factors demonstrated the return of hospitality and gaming demand in the regions during the year.”
Emperor E, which signed a new service agreement with SJM in January, also outlined its belief that the future economic growth of Hong Kong and Macau would benefit the tourist and hospitality industries and enable the company to deliver long-term positive returns.
“To thrive in a highly competitive market in both regions, the Group will continue strengthening its market presence by enhancing the guest experience, implementing better customer segmentation, and capitalising on its brand awareness arising from its long establishment and popularity in Chinese-speaking communities, while leveraging the synergies resulting from being part of Emperor Group,” it said.
“The management will closely monitor market developments, and seek to react in advance to any foreseeable changes in the industry.”