MACAU DAILY TIMES 澳門比日時報Pansy Ho emphasizes the importance of improving diverse experiences for overseas tourists

On By Littum

MGM China has emphasized the need to enhance tourists’ experiences in Macau through unique cultural offerings as the city aims to expand its cultural image.

The gaming operator has its focus on arts and culture after promising the government to help diversify the local economy by investing in non-gambling attractions.

In a media briefing yesterday, Pansy Ho, Chairman and CEO of MGM China, stated that Macau has the potential to encourage visitors to extend their stay, despite the fact that many do not have ample time to explore the city.

“We need to create more ways for tourists to enjoy their time here,” Ho said.

“Many visitors do not have much knowledge about Macau. Now, through our efforts, they will be able to learn about our history, our role throughout time and our positioning,” she said.

Recent government data shows that same-day visitors (13,834,674) and overnight visitors (12,086,240) grew by 42.8% and 18.1% year-on-year respectively in the first three quarters of the year.

However, the average length of stay for visitors shortened by 0.1 day year-on-year to 1.2 days, while that of overnight visitors remained unchanged at 2.3 days.

For MGM, it hopes to extend the stay by offering immersive and enriching cultural experiences.

“We aim to extend the average stay of tourists in Macau from 2.7 nights to longer by providing enriching cultural experiences,” said Ho, who met with the press yesterday to discuss the Poly MGM Museum. This museum is a cultural landmark dedicated to preserving China’s priceless intangible heritage while promoting global cultural dialogue.

Ho has expressed optimism that tourists would encounter a new perspective on Macau in recognition of its cultural richness.

“They will know that they will have more opportunities to see that Macau has cultural significance in the future,” she added.

This comes as the Macau government seeks to strengthen Macau’s position as a hub for multicultural exchange and cooperation, emphasizing Chinese culture while promoting interactions between Chinese and foreign civilizations.

In relation to the geographical influence of tourism, Ho emphasized the need for overseas tourists to participate in various experiences. “Overseas tourists need to have more experiences they can try,” she explained.

She emphasized the importance of addressing a wider audience, including families and children, to provide varied experiences beyond traditional offerings. “This is not just an exhibition,” she said of the ongoing development at MGM.

The Poly MGM Museum is holding its official opening ceremony today, following its earlier opening to the public this month.

A collaboration between MGM China and Poly Culture, this state-of-the-art museum celebrates traditional Chinese culture.

“We are not just creating an art museum; we are establishing a first-class national museum that reflects our cultural heritage,” Ho said.

She noted the museum’s role as a bridge connecting different cultures along the Maritime Silk Road, a historic trade route that has shaped global interactions for centuries.

That inaugural exhibit opens today and is titled The Maritime Silk Road: Discover the Mystical Seas and Encounter the Treasures of the Ancient Trade Route. The exhibition is divided into four theme zones, which include Monsoon, Cultural Origins, Integrations and Connections.

Each zone highlights both ancient cultural relics and modern works of art. The exhibition features 228 artifacts and works of art from nearly 20 national museums and renowned cultural institutions, including nearly 30 Grade-1 cultural relics, such as the four bronze zodiac heads from the Old Summer Palace.

“This exhibition is not just about displaying artefacts; it’s about telling the story of our interconnectedness,” said Ho. The museum’s innovative design incorporates high-tech elements such as moving LED screens and interactive screens to increase visitor engagement.

“We’re actually building a multi-purpose multimedia room next to it.” Plans for a supporting activity space on the same floor as the museum are due to open in a few months to enrich visitor interactions.

Ho also noted that the museum is strategically placed to promote cultural tourism in Macau, which is already known for its vibrant entertainment industry.

Reflecting on the evolution of MGM’s art initiatives, Ho said, “We should remember that we actually opened an art gallery more than 10 years ago. At that time, it was just an art gallery. Now is the time for us to explore how we can take full advantage of our unique advantages and our position in Macau.”

The Poly MGM Museum is open daily and free until September 2025. Nadia Shaw