Sands Resorts Macao Strengthens Ties with India
By Prashant Nayak
The Sands Resorts Macao team recently visited Mumbai to engage with key trade partners and media, showcasing their flagship integrated themes and commitment to the Indian market. TTJ spoke with Stephanie Tanpure, Vice President, Sales, Sands China, who shared insights on how Sands is redefining luxury, leisure, and MICE travel, positioning Macao as a vibrant, multi-themed destination for the discerning Indian traveller.
Transforming the Cotai Strip
Sands Resorts Macao’s flagship properties — The Venetian Macao, The Parisian Macao, and the reimagined Londoner Grand — have been instrumental in transforming the Cotai Strip into one of the world’s leading destinations for leisure, entertainment, and business events. Inspired by Europe’s great cities, these integrated resorts embody Sands’ vision of offering immersive and diversified experiences under one roof.
Positive Momentum from India
The Indian market has shown encouraging signs of recovery. In the first half of 2024, Macao welcomed about 10,000 Indian visitors per month, totaling between 40,000–45,000 visitors. Although numbers were temporarily impacted by lingering post-COVID concerns and perceptions around Hong Kong travel, these issues are gradually easing.
Stephanie shared, “For 2025, our goal is to maintain a steady inflow of 10,000 Indian visitors per month, targeting a total of around 120,000 visitors for the year. While this is still below the pre-COVID peak of 150,000 monthly arrivals, we are optimistic. India is re-emerging as one of our top five source markets, and we are confident of a strong recovery.”
India Emerges as a High-Potential Market
Tourism in the region has often fluctuated due to the impact of COVID-19, geopolitical turbulence, and compression from the dominant Chinese market. “In luxury leisure, India’s ranking has ranged between fifth and seventh, while in the MICE segment, it holds the fourth or fifth position. Notably, during December, the Indian market rises into the top three, driven by FIT travel around Diwali. We are also seeing strong growth in corporate meetings and incentives, particularly from India’s manufacturing and automotive sectors,” said Stephanie.
She added that Sands remains very optimistic about India’s role in the meetings and events space. While Mainland China and Hong Kong continue to lead, demand from Korea, India, Japan, Singapore, and Southeast Asia is on the rise, with Australia also contributing to this momentum.
One-Stop Luxury Experience
Positioning Sands Resorts Macao in India’s luxury travel market is rooted in what Stephanie calls ‘luxury integration’. She remarked, “It is not just about upscale hotels. Our success lies in combining luxury accommodation with high-end shopping, culture, and entertainment, all under one roof. From shopping to dining, leisure to sports, we offer a complete, one-stop luxury experience tailored for both FIT and MICE guests.”
She further emphasised that Sands Macao delivers affordable high-end luxury compared to many other Asian destinations, an attractive proposition for Indian travellers seeking value without compromise.
Powering Macao’s MICE Evolution
Beyond luxury, Sands has played a significant role in transforming Macao into a MICE powerhouse, attracting global events and ensuring year-round visitation. With around 11,000 hotel rooms, multiple restaurants, retail outlets, expansive convention spaces, and theatres and arenas hosting world-class entertainment, Sands offers a scale few can match.
Stephanie highlighted the group’s unique proposition: “A MICE group of 500 can be seamlessly managed across our nine properties, from accommodation to customised experiences, with one point of contact, one contract, and one payment. This centralised model is unique and unmatched globally, making it exceptionally easy for agents and MICE organisers to handle large groups.”
In addition, Sands operates the largest transportation fleet in Macao, including dedicated transfers from Hong Kong, while its partnerships across the city create a holistic experience spanning events, dining, wellness, and adventure. The launch of Asia’s largest TeamLab experience at The Venetian, along with the upcoming NBA basketball event, further reinforces their positioning as a hub for sports, culture, and entertainment.
Deepening India Trade Engagement
Looking ahead, Sands is doubling down on India with a robust trade strategy. “In 2026, we will conduct roadshows across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to build on our past success. A key highlight will be the Mega FAM trip in March, where over 300 global and Indian partners will be hosted in Macao to experience the destination’s evolving offerings firsthand,” shared Stephanie.
In India, Sands is represented by T&A Consulting (Delhi), which plays a pivotal role in forging new partnerships and strengthening existing networks.
Macao Beyond Day Trips
Addressing the perception that Macao is merely a spillover destination from Hong Kong, Stephanie clarified, “Previously, many international travellers visited Macao only as a day trip. But now, we are seeing visitors stay for 2.5 nights or more, which marks a significant shift.”
This change is driven by Macao’s improved infrastructure, affordable luxury, and a growing portfolio of attractions, including international concerts, shows, and cultural events. “Macao is no longer just about quick visits; it is now about immersive, multi-day experiences that appeal to today’s global traveller,” she added.