One of Macau’s top hoteliers is optimistic about the prospects for the city’s hotel industry, insisting that despite the current economic conditions, consumers are still willing to spend on high-end travel experiences that connect with them.
This is according to Frank Sanders, multi-property vice president of St. Regis Macao and Sheraton Grand Macao, who made the comments on Thursday on the sidelines of a celebration of the St. Regis Bar’s 22nd place in the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list announced recently.
“We don’t see a lot of people spending less, we see more and more people coming into the bar,” Sanders said.
“I think people like to spend on the right kind of experience, and we provide that kind of experience right here in the hotel.”
In addition, he said, the two Marriott International hotel brands would refrain from engaging in price wars or using discounted rates to drive footfall.
Hengqin authorities recently unveiled measures that could pave the way for the conversion of office blocks into accommodation.
“Competition is obviously increasing, but I think there are enough visitors for everyone to have a slice of the cake, as they say,” said the hotelier, stressing that travellers are looking for experiences that resonate with them, whether it’s a familiar offering or an entirely new addition to the market.
