Sands China Ltd’s newly appointed president and chief operating officer Wilfred Wong began his tenure yesterday with?a significant milestone for the Parisian Macao resort. The lantern and dome structure was placed atop the highest point of the casino resort in a symbolic act marking the event.
According to local sources, Wong commented about the structure’s significance at the ceremony he presided over, “The Parisian Macao, and in particular its Eiffel Tower, is certain to be a landmark presence on the Cotai Strip, and an iconic addition to the city’s skyline.” He also took the opportunity to inform those in attendance at the opening ceremony that he will begin work with the company on November 1. His speech highlighted the uniqueness of the integration of the company’s resorts and their European style begging the question, “Where else but here could you have lunch alongside the serenading gondoliers plying the picturesque canals of Venice, and then have dinner at an authentic French bistro, before enjoying breathtaking views from Cotai Strip from the Eiffel Tower?”
Once the master of ceremonies had announced Sands China’s artistic vision of recreating some of Europe’s famous iconic structures and locations in Macau, the ceremony reflected a melding of two cultures. From the East the typical southern Chinese Lion Dance and highlighting the Western European culture was the distinctly French cabaret dance, the Cancan. The ceremony also included a fashion show where team member’ uniforms designed in keeping with the theme of a mix of the French and Chinese cultures were modeled for the crowd.
Sands China Ltd’s fourth property at Cotai Strip Resorts Macao, The Parisian Macau is expected to open in 2016 and will feature approximately 3,000 rooms and suites, a retail mall, gaming space, a half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower, MICE space, entertainment, spa and health club, diverse food and beverage options, two observation decks and a pool deck, including a feature aimed at business, leisure and family travelers, themed water park – Aquaworld.
The total cost of the project is an estimated US$2.7 billion, and once completed 800 duty-free shops and 12,000 rooms and suites will serve to increase the Cotai area Sands China visitor capacity. Much more than just the major points of interest including the replica of the Eiffel Tower, Wong explained that the Parisian will feature many shows and events including a musical light show illuminating the tower that will take place daily.