Macau Hotel Association (MHA) Vice President Rutger Verschuren told English-language reporters yesterday that he was upbeat about the hotel occupancy figures for December, noting that as a whole, they are looking at a “positive year”.
Verschuren made the remarks to the media after the unveiling and lighting event of their 5.0-metre Christmas Tree at Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau in Nape.
However, with satellite casinos closing on the peninsula, Verschuren said that they are “very anxious” with how it will affect certain neighbourhoods, as well as the shops close to those hotels as they will face challenges and changes. “But it is more in terms of what kind of business are those hotels going to attract without casinos”.
Verschuren said that Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau is optimistic given that it has a great variety of offerings, being more like a “mini-integrated resort”, noting: “Our value, I think, will go up because we have a lot of facilities”, having more than just rooms and restaurants.
“I feel for the hotels where the casinos are leaving, that is going to be quite a challenge for them, I think”.
Meanwhile, Verschuren also remarked that during the 15th National Games held from November 9 to 21, the hotels located on the peninsula in general “did not really benefit much”, but looking at its impact and the economy as a whole, he said: “I think it must have been very successful”.
Area Vice President, Macau and Hengqin of Artyzen Hospitality Group, General Manager of Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau, and Macau Hotel Association (MHA) Vice President Rutger Verschuren (Centre) cuts the Make-A-Wish cake last night after the Tree Lighting ceremony at the Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau in Nape. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
