Sands Macao celebrated its 20th anniversary on Thursday with a special ceremony at the hotel’s outdoor fountain, commemorating two decades since its 2004 debut, which marked a significant period of growth for Sands China and Macao.
When Sands Macao first opened on May 18, 2004, the launch of Las Vegas Sands’ initial venture in Macao drew a massive crowd, eager to experience the opulent new establishment. Two decades later, Sands Macao welcomes millions of visitors each year and has set the stage for its sister properties on the Cotai Strip – The Venetian® Macao, The Plaza® Macao, The Londoner® Macao, and The Parisian Macao. These properties form a vast integrated resort city that attracts global visitors.
Since 2004, Sands China’s five properties have collectively welcomed over 950 million guests. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: “With our extensive presence in Macao spanning over two decades, Sands China takes immense pride in bearing witness to and actively participating in the flourishing development of this remarkable city. Together, we script an indelible chapter in history. The grand inauguration of Sands Macao in 2004 served as the pivotal moment in Macao’s illustrious era of tourism. Drawing inspiration from the triumphant integrated resort model of Las Vegas, we subsequently embarked on a transformative journey that reshaped the Cotai skyline, effectively materialising the visionary aspirations of our esteemed founder, Mr. Sheldon G. Adelson. Sands Macao is unequivocally where it all began.
“Allow me to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Central People’s Government, the Macao SAR Government, and the diverse sectors of society. Sands China brims with confidence in the future of Macao. Guided by the exceptional leadership of the two governments and fortified by the unwavering support of society at large, we shall persist in our pursuit of innovation, unveiling novel experiences for residents and tourists alike. Furthermore, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the promotion of Macao’s moderate economic diversification.”
Twenty years ago, Sands Macao set a brisk development pace, and since then, Sands China has paralleled Macao’s growth into a global tourism and leisure hub. Today, Sands China’s expansive portfolio boasts over 12,000 hotel rooms and suites, 150 dining venues, the region’s leading meetings and conventions facilities, more than 720 duty-free shops, and premier entertainment at two arenas and four theatres.
Thursday’s anniversary celebration featured a captivating theme that paid homage to the original entertainment that wowed guests at Sands Macao’s grand opening two decades ago. The event dazzled attendees with burlesque costumes and vibrant song and dance performances. Local singer German Ku and West End artist Kayleigh Stephenson delivered standout performances, including a memorable duet. The celebration was enhanced by a brilliant pyrotechnic display, choreographed to a musical score that illuminated the Sands Macao facade, providing thrilling entertainment for guests, local residents, and visitors.
During the subsequent gala dinner, guests enjoyed a medley of songs inspired by Moulin Rouge. The multi-platinum-selling vocal harmony group The Overtones, known for headlining prestigious events like Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, performed show-stopping, feel-good classics, further elevating the evening’s festive atmosphere.
In addition to the public ceremony, Sands China honored Sands Macao’s 20th anniversary with a series of internal celebrations for staff in April and May. These events celebrated the dedication and professionalism of over 1,200 founding team members. By the end of 2024, more than 15,000 team members will have reached their 10-year service milestones, including over 6,600 who have served for more than 15 years and 1,500 who have been with the company for over 20 years. These figures highlight Sands China’s commitment to fostering team member development alongside the company’s growth.
Extending the celebration to the broader community, Sands China hosted members of the Fuhong Society of Macau on May 10. Eighty Sands Cares Ambassadors and Fuhong members collaborated on an artwork themed around Sands Macao’s 20th anniversary, promoting community inclusion.
As the first Las Vegas-style entertainment property in Macao, Sands Macao laid a strong foundation for the success of Sands China Ltd. and the Cotai Strip. With Sands Macao and its integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip, Sands China remains dedicated to transforming Macao into a world-renowned center of tourism and leisure.
