Mega-production to stay, says Cirque de Soleil
A senior Cirque du Soleil manager has clarified that Zaia, the resident show at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel, is here to stay, putting a stop to public speculation over the future of the show.
Cirque du Soleil’s senior vice president for resident shows Jerry Nadal said the company would see out the remaining eight years of its contract and there had been no discussion with Sands management about ending the show prematurely.
Sands chief executive Sheldon Adelson has been critical of attendance at the 90-minute show.
Macau ups promotions ante with neighbours
The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has partnered neighbouring mainland China destinations, Zhongshan in Guangdong Province and Zhuhai, to enhance the leisure appeal of the city.
MGTO head of marketing Betty Fok said: “We may be near but we are each different and unique. Together we can offer a multi-destination itinerary that will offer travellers different experiences.
“For instance, the varied food culture of Macau, Zhongshan and Zhuhai will be an attraction. Through this packaging, we can enhance the visitor’s programme and encourage at least an additional day to their travel plans.”
China International Travel Service of Zhongshan deputy director Icy Huang said Zhongshan’s water villages, hot springs and fruit farms add a nature dimension to the typical Macau and Zhuhai itinerary.
New Jakarta-Macau air link
Indonesian airline Mandala has launched services between Jakarta and Macau.
Mandala president director Diono Nurjadin said the regional service was in response to the increasing demand from both business and leisure travellers.
Mandala will use its Airbus 320 with 180 seats on this route.
The Macau Government Tourist Office Indonesia general manager Maureen Budiman said: “The service will provide a direct link between Indonesia and Macau, which currently has a vacuum with the suspension of Viva Macau services.
“This link is good for first-time travellers to Macau.”
Sands to build Playboy clubs
Plans to build a Playboy-themed club in Macau will finally come to fruition now that Sands China has signed an agreement to open two clubs on the Cotai Strip.
The latest plan to bring the ultimate bunny club to Macau will include a 1,115m2 Playboy Club Macau on top of Sands Macao to open next year, and the Playboy Mansion Macau, a 2,700m2 “nightlife experience” scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2012.
The announcement of the mansion development at Parcels 5 and 6 on the Cotai Strip is the realisation of a plan first mooted in 2007.
Macau’s new historical draw
The opening of the Macau Mandarin House has brought an architectural treasure back to Macau after an eight-year restoration that came with a MOP43 million (US$5.4 million) price tag.
The 4,000m2 house, a World Heritage site, is a two-storey open-plan compound that was home to a Qing dynasty merchant and political reformer.
Built in 1869, the entire complex has more than 60 rooms and is the biggest private home in the city.
Tours are free and held daily during business hours, except Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The Macau Mandarin House is located in Travessa de Antonio da Silva, near the Moorish Barracks and A-Ma Temple.
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