Guests from (left to right) are Mr. Greg Hawkins, CEO of Crown Macau, Mrs Sharen Ho, Mr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance, Ms. Gao Yan, Deputy Director, The Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macau SAR, Mr. Lawrence Ho, Co-Chairman & CEO of Melco PBL Entertainment (Macau) Limited, Mr. Edmund Ho, Chief Executive of Macau SAR, Mr. James Packer, Co-Chairman of Melco PBL Entertainment (Macau) Limited, Mr. Huang Songfu, Deputy Commissioner of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr. Fernando Chui Sai On, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, and Ms. Erica Baxter .
MACAU, May 12, 2007. At 7.00pm today, Crown Macau, the contemporary and luxurious hotel and casino pioneering the six star experience in Macau, opened its doors for the first time to the public marking a new era for service and hospitality standards in Macau. To set the scene, specially invited guests from the Macau Government, and the worlds of business, high society and entertainment, including international star Chow Yun-Fat, were treated to a stunning series of events, whilst visitors reveled in the contemporary splendour of the casino.
The evening was presided over by Mr. Lawrence Ho, Co-chairman and CEO Melco PBL Entertainment, Mr. James Packer, Co-chairman Melco PBL Entertainment, and Mr. Greg Hawkins, CEO Crown Macau. They were joined by guests of honour Mr. Edmund Ho, Chief Executive of Macau SAR, Ms. Gao Yan, Deputy Director, The Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macau SAR, Mr. Huang Songfu, Deputy Commissioner Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in Macau SAR, Mr. Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance, and Dr. Chui Sai On, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture.
“Without the support of the Macau Government it would have been impossible to achieve all that we have here at Crown Macau,” said Lawrence Ho. “I would like to thank the Government of the People’s Republic of China for allowing Macau SAR to prosper under the highly successful implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy and Mr. Edmund Ho’s leadership for drawing the attention of the world once more to Macau. I am very honoured by the fact that Crown Macau and our other projects at Melco PBL Entertainment will be playing such a significant role in contributing to Macau’s future success.”
The opening ceremony, featuring traditional Chinese lion dancing, took place at the magnificent entrance to the property. After the Chief Executive of Macau had been given a tour of the complex, the doors were opened to the public and the eagerly awaiting crowds flocked into the casino for the first time.
The DRAGONE show was a celebration of diversity and imagination. Virtuoso physical performances and beautiful dancers were accompanied by waterfalls, powerful storms and ritual fire. The entire event, which featured a 120 strong cast drawn from around the world, culminated in a magnificent fireworks display created by celebrated pyrotechnic designers Groupe F from France.
In planning this event it was Lawrence Ho’s vision to offer guests at the Gala Party something truly unique and memorable. DRAGONE will soon become a much more familiar name in Macau and their performance was a prelude of exciting things to come. DRAGONE will return to launch Melco PBL Entertainment’s next development, the City of Dreams, in late 2008 and in 2009 will establish a permanent show at the resort.
“In the ten years since Crown Melbourne first opened its doors, we have successfully catered to the tastes of our Asian guests,” said James Packer. “I am confident that with our loyal following in this region and the calibre of our offering, Crown Macau will be every bit as successful as Crown Melbourne.”
Greg Hawkins added, “The opening of Crown Macau is a very special occasion for everybody who has worked so hard on this project over the past two years. When our guests arrive, they will instantly recognise that they have entered a contemporary and luxurious hotel and casino that is unmatched anywhere in Macau.”
All Photos Used With Permission of Crown Macau