Recently named the most outstanding destination market in Asia Pacific by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, Macao is easily accessible from major cities in the United States, with connecting flights every day from more than five U.S. hubs. Additionally, the new Taipa Ferry Terminal, which opened in June 2017, is conveniently located just five minutes from the destination's Cotai Strip.
With more than 32,000 hotel rooms, Macao is an appropriate destination for groups of any size, looking for a culturally rich experience with a variety of accommodation and meeting space options. Sands Resorts Macao leads the field with a total of more than 1.6 million square feet of versatile meeting and exhibition space, including the Cotai Expo, flexible ballrooms, and a total of 334 breakout rooms.
What's new in Macao for groups?
Macao has seen the most investment in infrastructure and entertainment in Asia the past few years, becoming Asia's newest and most exciting destination for international events.
In September 2016, Sands Resorts Macao also opened its newest integrated resort, The Parisian Macao. The new resort is home to nearly 3,000 guest rooms, meeting spaces, international restaurants, a kid's club and themed water park, a 1,200-seat theatre, and a half-size scale of the Eiffel Tower, which stands at the hotel's entrance.
What's a venue or activity that's a "hidden gem" for visiting groups?
Thrill seekers will love bungee jumping off the Macao Tower, the highest bungee jump in the world, at more than 4,120 feet. The tower is the world's 20th tallest free-standing tower, and participants will safely experience an exhilarating free-fall at a speed of 77 miles per hour.
What's a good outing for a group looking to get a sense of the city's culture or history?
Sands Resorts Macao is able to organize many bespoke activities, catering to a group's specific needs, including the very popular Historical Walking Tour and Cultural Village experience. During this tour, participants learn the marriage of the East and West, explore the city's historic center, and visit the A-Ma Temple, St. Francis Xavier Church, and the quaint fishing village of Coloane.
Where should a group go to get a truly local culinary experience?
Sands Resorts Macao offers a Portuguese Egg Tart Pastry class, where guests will learn to make the iconic treat unique to the destination. The culinary class features an introduction to the egg tart and its traditions, as they were originally a Portuguese import. Pastry lovers also receive step-by-step instructions to recreate the traditional tart at home.
Anything else that you think makes your city a great destination for groups?
For attendees who love shopping, Sands Shoppes is a shopping paradise. Sands Shoppes is the largest duty-free luxury shopping experience in Macao, consisting of over 850 retailers at Shoppes at Four Seasons, Shoppes at Parisian, Shoppes at Venetian, and Shoppes at Cotai Central. This unrivalled shopping experience is part of Sands China's integrated resort, featuring the world's best brands -- all under one interconnected roof.
In addition, Sands Resorts Macao incorporates a variety of cultural events for groups, including a Cultural Village Experience, a Sichuan Opera show at Bian Lian, Macao Sky Walk on the top of Macao Tower, a Macao Trail Hike, The Amazing Race -- a treasure hunt, a Macanese Portuguese Folk Dance, Chinese Calligraphy, and a Heart of House Tour showcasing how The Venetian Macao operates behind the scenes.