Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel, Cotai Central and The St. Regis Macao, Cotai Central, both part of the Marriott International group, have tapped the India market for over the last couple of years. The properties have now witnessed a growth of around 50 per cent in the MICE movements from India. Incentive has emerged as a major segment for the properties.
Speaking about the growth, Daniella Tonetto, General Manager of Sales & Marketing, said, “We have seen a significant increase of around 50 per cent in MICE from India market. Last year, we have received large MICE movements from India. The future enquiries also are very strong. We have introduced value packages with ferry tickets and dining options to further boost this market. We have seen incentive groups coming from the IT, automobile, consumer and banking sectors.”
Both properties together offer 4,400 keys and have been doing an occupancy rate of over 90 per cent round the year. “We get a fairly good amount of share of Indian travellers in Macao. We are a well known brand globally and when it comes to conference and MICE, we have established ourselves as top properties. We have a very different business model for both St. Regis and Sheraton Macao, both are very different in nature and we have been successful in maintaining the essence of both the brands. We do have well aware travellers asking for St. Regis. We have been delivering consistent service standards. Both the properties do well above 90 per cent occupancy throughout the year,” Saurabh Bakshi, General Manager of Operations, revealed.
After making a mark on the Indian MICE and incentive markets, both properties are now looking to tap the Indian weddings aggressively. These properties boasts of its special team of Indian chefs who can cater to any region in India.
“Wedding is a very special segment for both the properties. The major advantage to tap Indian weddings is that travellers doesn’t not require visa and also a big advantage is the new bridge which has made the connectivity easier than ever. Conference, incentive, and weddings is a big business for us from India. We offer excellent infrastructure with a combined banqueting space of over 150,000 sqm. Our hotels are tailor made for business travellers and we provide excellent flexibility. We can cater anywhere from 10 to 3000 people. Also we have a team of Indian chefs who can cater to various regional cuisines from India,” Bakshi added.
This year Macao Special Administrative Region celebrates its 20th anniversary and the destination has already announced a line-up of events for the celebration. The properties will also be a part of the celebration and will offer various activities and shopping opportunities.
“This year Macao celebrates its 20th anniversary and we have big celebrations all around the destination. We will also have a grand celebration with a lot of offers on shopping, kid’s activities, etc and this will continue till the Chinese New Year,” Tonetto added.
