Inside Asian Gaming

JUNE 2015 inside asian gaming 15 Cover Story The resort will provide a test case of how much Macau’s slump is attributable to the lack of new attractions, particularly on the mass market side, and how potent non-gaming attractions can be to draw traffic and boost revenue. “We have a firm commitment to contribute to the diversification of the region’s leisure and entertainment industry,” Galaxy Chairman Lui Che-woo said on opening day. “We also promised to develop and nurture local talent and promote local culture to support the economy. Rooted in Macau, we are aligned with the central government’s vision to help the territory fulfill its potential as a world center of tourism and leisure, contributing to Macau’s long-term growth.” In case anyone missed the message, Mr Lui added, “Galaxy is a patriotic company,” fully behind Beijing and Macau authorities’ vision of diversification. Mr Lui’s son, Galaxy Vice-Chairman Francis Lui, said that during the first decade of post-monopoly Macau, rapidly expanding gaming revenue fueled strong growth. “In the next two or three years, we’ll see whether [Macau] can be more like Las Vegas, where non-gaming revenue represents more than 50% of their business.” “The long term projection for this particular property, and for Macau really, is now tourism for the mass market,” Galaxy Macau Director of Operations Richard Longhurst says. The resort will provide a test case of how much Macau’s slump is attributable to the lack of new attractions, particularly on the mass market side, and how potent non-gaming attractions can be to draw traffic and boost revenue. june