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Marina Bay – Marvel the Waters

Article by Pushpitha Wijesinghe

The tiny island country of Singapore is not in the least tiny in what it puts forth to entice crowds. A frontrunner in innovation and development, Singapore presents to the world an unmatched experience on reclaimed land; Marina Bay. The manmade inlet which has fascinated mankind and won global recognition for Singapore will delight, charm and relax any soul.

The symbol of Singapore, the Merlion overlooks Marina Bay with unprecedented grandeur and lures tourists to the Merlion Park where one is free to stroll and take in a breath of fresh air that blows in from the freshwater reservoir.

Hop aboard Singapore’s gigantic observation wheel the ‘Singapore Flyer’, at Marina Bay for a flying glimpse of the Singaporean skyline. It will give you an opportunity to dine and admire the Singapore River that ripples into the bay, while journeying through the atmosphere. Another way to enjoy the scenery is to cruise through the basin in a ferry from the Southern Pier of Marina Bay. Above the sparkling blue waters of Marina Bay is the Helix Bridge, which is an ideal companion for the buildings and structures in the vicinity. Its steel meshes canopies and curves form a beautiful pathway for pedestrians between Marina Centre and Marina South.

Marina Bay Sands, the integrated resort at the waterfront, which is to be completed in several phases is still a tempting destination due to its famous Vegas style casino. Upon completion, there will be a host of dining facilities, an Art- Science Museum and many nightlife offerings

Adrift on the bay is an open air platform, ‘The Float’, which can be used for sports events, musical shows or even to stage a play. Its spacious and bouyant features make it an immediate favourite among visitors. Combining the thrill of dining, shopping and revelling in some theatrics is the magnificent Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Its outdoor theatre, roof terrace, exhibition floor and shopping area all complement its unusual architecture, which is built to bring out the best in everyone’s artistic abilities.

With all this in store for an eager vacationer and business complexes such as the One Marina Boulevard, anyone who visits Singapore cannot skip a tour of these rapturous surroundings. One may find comfortable abode in Singapore hotels while exploring or can even take the opportunity to really treat themselves in a Singapore luxury hotel
, which will cater to all of one’s whims and fancies. The Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, is well known to do precisely that, making it the perfect spot for accommodation.

About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Travelling down Route 66

Article by Michael Hanna

Since the 1960s, touring across America and looking for adventure has become synonymous with driving down Route 66. Immortalized in film, songs and books, the highway from Los Angeles to Chicago may have changed since the original route that John Steinbeck called the “Mother Road”, but it is still easy to take a detour down the most famous highway in American history.

Many travellers like to be fully immersed in the experience by camping by the roadside or by staying in the various motels which emerged out of the rapid post war growth in road travel which the route helped to develop. Others prefer to take the more comfortable approach by staying in modern accommodation, ranging from Hotels in Chicago to Hotels in LA. Whatever style of journey the traveller chooses however, it is easy to see why this iconic highway has remained a powerful emblem for the American Dream.

From its original inception, the road planners intended US 66 to connect the main streets of rural and urban communities along its 2,448 mile course, and to make it one of the nation’s principal East-West arteries. In doing so, these planners helped shape the perception of a nation.

By getting an up-to-date map, and then taking the off ramp from I-40 and following the brown Historic Route 66 road signs, today’s travellers find that most of the towns along the highway still hold vestiges of a day gone by, mixing in with the modern. The ‘Main Street of America’ has seen many changes and been largely superseded by more modern high speed interstate highways, however about 85% of the original route still remains and, along with it, much of the spirit of American hope and optimism which pervaded the country after economic catastrophe and global war; after, even, all these years.

Starting in Chicago, Route 66 passes through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, before skirting the Pacific Ocean and finally ending near Los Angeles. Taking in attractions like Springfield – the town where Abraham Lincoln was born – and the ancient remains of the Cahokia Mounds (a prehistoric native city dating from 700-1400AD), the Grand Canyon, Boulder Dam, Las Vegas, Barstow and the Mojave Desert, the route is steeped in history and littered with trading posts. The best way to see the old mother road is to rent a Harley Davidson, Corvette or 1960s open-top Cadillac and cruise near Las Vegas or explore Arizona or California where the longest sections of the route still exist.

While the number of travellers along the historic road has gradually lessened over time, and many of the old towns and businesses have deteriorated or disappeared since the road’s decommissioning, others have been carefully restored. This has given way to a microcosm of bygone roadside Americana that has became suspended in time. The roadside treasures, vivid history, and natural beauty lining the route mark out a disappearing vision of America which can increasingly only be seen on film.

About the Author

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Excitement and relaxation: gaining the best of both worlds taking your next vacation in the city

Article by Michael Hanna

Quite often, people associate the term ‘vacation’ with a secluded locale, such as a tropical beach on an island or a range of soaring mountaintops in a national forest. Most of us, after all, do not live close enough to the splendours of such natural settings to visit them frequently, and therefore take the opportunity to spend our vacations there whenever possible.



But when it comes to a vacation, many people also look forward to new and exciting activities which will take them away from their day-to-day routines – another likely reason we link the notion of a leisurely getaway to that of travelling far away from home.



In reality, however, one does not need to travel very far to take advantage of thrilling and fresh experiences; because when endless sites and attractions are ‘just around the corner,’ with an array of fantastic activities – including exciting or relaxing ones – available to keep any vacation-goer busy, why would anyone feel the need to seek seclusion?



A cultural city tour offers all this and more – simply because a city can offer all the excitement you’re after, while still fulfilling the ‘relaxing’ purpose of a vacation. If you’re craving a bit of big-city glitz filled with theatre-going, shopping, sight-seeing, fine dining or even spa retreats, why not plan an escapade to New York City or Las Vegas? Or if you love the city setting but prefer smaller cities to large, you’ll find that San Francisco – with the nearby Napa Valley – is the perfect destination for a cultural getaway.



What’s more, while the island getaway is spectacular, it often requires a significant amount of vacation time – largely because one has to travel a much greater distance. A city vacation, however, caters to anyone who doesn’t necessarily have a great deal of time to spare but feels the need to get away. Such a trip can be ideal for a few weeks or a few days of travel; and no matter where in the country you live or how far you plan to travel, there are countless cities to consider between – and beyond – the coasts.



Whether you’re planning to travel to a large city like New York City or Los Angeles, or a small one like San Francisco, you’ll find loads of fantastic hotel accommodation options to consider. So take advantage of an absolute gem of a getaway opportunity by considering a city vacation today – you’ll be absolutely thrilled with the experience you come away with.



Submitted by:

Michael Hanna



About Michael

Michael is a keen writer, and internet marketer living in Scotland:



Contact details:

E-mail: samqam@googlemail.com

Phone: 0131 561 2251

Michael’s Website: Belfast Taxi

About the Author

Michael is a keen writer living in Edinburgh. Michael’s Website: Taxis Belfast

Destination wedding Tips

Article by Dmitri Markine

What to consider when planning a destination wedding

* Family and guests: Will family members be invited? If you’re not inviting anyone to your wedding, you’ll have to keep in mind that feelings can, and probably will, be hurt. If you do hope to have a gathering of friends and family to witness your nuptials, you’ll have to consider whether this trip is something they can afford. Not everyone can comfortably bear the cost of airfare, hotel, wedding gift and any meals not included in the wedding festivities.
* Cost: One of the first considerations when planning a destination wedding, of course, will be cost. Will you and your intended be able to afford the cost of flying to another area, staying in a hotel and paying wedding costs? If money is no object, you’ll want to move on to your other considerations, namely family.
*
* Wedding Dress: Will you be wearing a formal designer dress or a less formal beach wedding dress. How will you pack it and get it to your destination. You can send it ahead, but then you might risk it getting lost or damaged en route. You can also check it with your luggage, but you’ll have to trust the airline not to lose or misplace your bags. Your best bet is to treat your wedding dress as carryon luggage. This means however, there has to be room enough in the overhead compartment. Discuss this detail with your travel agent who may have a suggestion. She may also be able to make arrangements with the airline for your wedding dress to be hung in the flight attendants cabin. Places famous for destination weddings such as Las Vegas include wedding dress rental in many of their wedding packages. This may be something to look into.
* Legalities: What is involved in getting married in your chosen location? Will you need a blood test? What types of identification are required? Will your marriage be legal and binding in this country? Thoroughly research this before making any arrangements. The last thing you want is being told at the last minute you can’t get married because your paperwork isn’t in order. Marriage certificates can cost you quite a bit. Don’t forget the translation costs, if you are getting married abroad.

* Photographers/Videographers. Will you be bringing someone from your city/state or you prefer to hire someone at the location. This can get tricky. When bringing a photographer with you, cost can be a factor, since you’ll have to cover all the costs (flights, meals, housing). If you are getting married outside of North America, you should know that most photographers/videographers don’t have up to date equipment available. If you are doing a wedding in Cuba, you can be certain they can’t provide the same high end equipment, since it’s usually in the in the range of ,000-20,000 Chances are they’ll be using outdated cameras. They can be cheaper than your own photographers, but you do you really want to risk it? Getting your prints can be a hassle, since fast communication is not always possible

About the Author

Dmitri is a well known wedding photographer in Canada with experince doing local and destination weddings. For more information or to see his portfolio,please contact him directly to plan your perfect wedding.

5 Best Winter Travel Destinations

Article by Jennifer Gregory

Maybe you couldn’t get the time off of work for a trip this summer. Perhaps you just didn’t have the cash. Believe it or not, traveling during the winter months is often more affordable than during the summer, when travel and tourism hit a peak high – right along with prices. There are tons of great deals during the winter months, especially if you know where to look.

Whistler, British Columbia

If you love skiing, head up to Canada for a trip to Whistler. The future home of the 2010 Winter Olympics is bustling with fun winter activities, including some for those who’d prefer to stay out of the cold. There are dozens of luxury and discount hotels in Whistler, so you’re guaranteed to find a great place to stay regardless of whether or not you choose to ski, shop, or hit the spas.

Las, Vegas, Nevada

Most places in the United States seem to slow down a little bit right before the holidays, so if you’re planning a trip in November or December, consider heading out to Las Vegas. The crowds are usually a bit smaller during the holidays, while families celebrate and children are still in and out of school. Just make sure you clear out before New Year’s Eve – when the partying begins and the discounts all but disappear.

Orlando, Florida

To be honest, anywhere in Florida is great for travel during the winter months. If you’re headed towards Disney, you’ll find that all of the children have gone back to school so the parks aren’t as flooded with families and long lines. It’ll be easier to get reservations in one of the Orlando hotels as they won’t be as crowded and likely won’t have the same strict booking guidelines they stick to during the summer months. To top it off, airlines regularly schedule flights to Florida, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a reasonably priced airline to get you there.

The Hawaiian Islands

The Hawaiian Islands are a popular destination year round, but if you’re looking for a place to escape the cold there’s no better alternative. If you’re traveling with a large family, consider renting a condo or long-term hotel room in Honolulu. This is a great way to keep your travel costs down while enjoying the island on a budget. It IS possible. A winter jaunt to Hawaii will be even more affordable for those already living on the west coast.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles actually has a lot to offer. Temperatures are usually mild during the winter months and there are lots of beaches and hiking trails to explore. The art programs throughout the city are astounding as well. We highly recommend a trip to the Guggenheim Museum, Disneyland, or Sunset Boulevard. We guarantee you won’t spend as much here as in other parts of the state.

Don’t succumb to the winter blues. As long as you avoid the holiday rushes, traveling during the winter months can be as exciting as travel throughout the rest of the year!

About the Author

Jennifer Gregory is a writer with a passion for travel. After completing her degrees in Social Work and eBusiness, she traveled through Europe, across America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. She now writes for On the Go Travel Blog.

Myrtle Beach – Top 5 Reasons to Plan a Visit

Article by Byron

When you need that perfect place to relax and reflect, Myrtle Beach is the ultimate vacation destination. Myrtle Beach is heaven on earth surrounded by rolling sunny beaches, festivals and abundant leisure activities. If you are visiting South Carolina, Myrtle Beach should be on the top of you list. Here are 5 reasons why the trip is worth your while:

Hit the Beaches

This suggestion might be a no-brainer, but for those of you who haven’t experience the Grand Strand, it is truly a remarkable pristine place. Myrtle Beach is a mecca for surfing, wind surfing and water sports. If you don’t have equipment you can rent whatever you need at one of the many surf shops in the area. For those of you not into the surfing scene, you can have a blast enjoying the ocean out on a jet ski or kayak. Myrtle Beach even offers diving excursions to bring you face to face with the variety of ocean life in the Grand Strand. Catching a sunrise at one of lesser know beaches will leave you a wonderful vacation memory to last a lifetime.

Great Discounts on Lodging

Myrtle Beach offers a wide variety of lodging options from fancy hotels perched along the Grand Strand to more affordable motels further inland. With so many lodging options there is always a great opportunity to find discount packages to help ensure your vacation is both luxurious and affordable. For those of you looking for a more high-end experience I recommend checking out a place like the Island Vista Resort during the off-season on a midweek night. For traveler like me who appreciate a great deal I always suggest looking into a Myrtle Beach Hotel with a mini-vacation offer. Either way, if you keep your eyes pealed you are sure to find the right deal for you.

Take a swing on a world class golf course

With the absolute perfect climate, Myrtle Beach is a golfer’s paradise. Myrtle Beach is guaranteed to challenge and impress the most avid golfer with well over 100 scenic courses scattered along the coast. Many of the local golf courses come from designers like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. The locals joke that if you bring your clubs to Myrtle Beach, you might never leave.

Shopping, Shopping and more Shopping

No one goes on vacation without bringing back a few souvenirs, but at Myrtle Beach you will find all the stores and styles to fulfill your shopping fantasies. From Boutiques, to discount outlets and upscale malls, many visit the area just to take advantage of the shopping variety. Always remember, when planning your visit to Myrtle Beach, it is always a good idea to set aside some money just in case that perfect item catches your eye.

Music and Amusement

Believe it or not, but Myrtle Beach is actually know for having quite the music scene. Small venues with intimate settings offer a wide variety of local talent and excitement. Country music is a big draw in the area, but you can find whatever suits your fancy. The Carolina Opry is a showcase for country inspired shows full of comics, dancers and musicians that are guaranteed to leave a smile on your face. For those more interested in classic hits, Myrtle Beach is second to Las Vegas when it comes to impersonators.

With all the option and activities that Myrtle Beach has to offer, the hardest part is usually making a plan and sticking to it. If you want to ensure a great experience I always suggest making a game plan. Whatever you do don’t forget to leave room for the unexpected.

About the Author

I am an aspiring travel writer. I love finding the best features of the most interesting places to visit in the United States. I also love a bargain when I find one.

Sin City? No, not really…

Article by Hannes Krueger

We checked in at the airport to our Las Vegas trip and after about 12 hours flying, we were already awaited from the guy of the shuttle service. The friendly, talkative driver carried our luggage to the trunk and opened the door knightly to my girlfriend. Women are not used to see something in Germany. After we were all sitting in the car, the driver brought us to our hotel – The Sahara.

The three-star hotel is located a few meters from the center, but is quite pricey. The rooms are clean, pretty and there is also a pool – I do not need more. In Las Vegas each hotel offers its guests like the hotel attractions. In the Sahara, there is the Speed World, an exhibition of Grand Prix cars from different eras. I think I’m going on a ride with the speed roller coaster…but I’m not sure if this is so good for my stomach.

As our hotel is just in front of the “Strip”, I avoid any discussions with my girlfriend and we plunge into pleasure. We are marching to the hotels, we know from the TV. We pass Siegfried and Roys Mirage and the “Comer See”, no – of course at the Bellagio. We pass Little Venice – the Venetian, and are finally in front of the gigantic Mandalay Bay. The entrances of the hotels are quite an experience. The attraction in the ‘front’ of the Mirage is an artificial volcano eruption, which attracts each evening countless spectators. In front of the Bellagio fountains shoot water over a length of several hundred meters into the air.

The Fremont Street transforms Las Vegas’ night in a bright and colorful show (with millions of LED lights) on the huge arched roof.
The Free Moon Street we visit the Neon Museum, where the decommissioned neon signs find their final resting place. There are really have many shows in Vegas, but the absolute highlight for us was the Blue Man Group. The show takes place at the Venetian, and is just fantastic. The music really pulls everyone in and the three blue heads are making jokes the whole show.

Directly opposite of our hotel is the Stratosphere, the nearly 360 meters high tower we all know from TV. The highlight is without any doubt – the restaurant ‘Top of the World’ in the tower, which is rotating around its own axis. While my girlfriend enjoys delicious pasta, I had a steak. Prices from $ 30 upwards, are okay for Vegas. Of course, the Tower has more to offer than a simple, revolving restaurant. The Big Shot, who may want can enjoy a few seconds of zero gravity.

For everybody who is crazy (and brave) enough, can have a ride at something like a chain carousel – OUTSIDE of the platform. Just for info: The platform is located in approximate 250 meters height.

The flair of this extraordinary in the middle of the desert city is unparalleled, and a Las Vegas trip really worth every dollar.

About the Author

I was born 1972 in Berlin. After a few years as a tour guide, I now live in Munich.

The ancient Egypt

Article by Hannes Krueger

Egypt, located in the northeast corner of Africa, has a long tradition as a tourist country and culture of years back.

Egypt consists largely of deserts or desert-like areas with little vegetation and very low rainfall. Only at the Red Sea coast of this desert climate is somewhat more moderate.

In the Nile delta on the Mediterranean coast is, however, especially in winter rain and leaves a Mediterranean flora. Because of the Nile, which Egypt from south to north through, at least, thanks to the irrigation in the Nile Delta and Nile Valley and in some oases in the desert in the cultivation of date palms, figs and other fruit possible.

The fauna especially in the Nile Delta is very rich in species. Especially for water birds such as pelicans, herons and cranes, it offers ideal living conditions. In the Nile and in Nasser lake lives crocodiles and hippos. In the desert is confined to the fauna of this area typical species such as hyenas, scorpions and vultures lambs.

Egypt was already in the 19th Century, a popular holiday destination, however, developed in the last 30 years, especially along the Red Sea a number of important bathing and resorts. Sun Sharm El-Sheikh in the northeast, on the Sinai Peninsula, which with its natural park of Ras Mohammed, in particular for divers is very popular. Or also on the peninsula is Naama Bay, which due to its numerous nightclubs, cafes, casinos and similar establishments, often referred to as the “Egyptian Las Vegas” is designated. On the East Coast is the most popular Hurghada resort, due to its beautiful beaches for bathing, but also water sports is very well known. Just south is still thriving resort of Safaga to mention, also by many tourists, especially from Western Europe and Russia controlled.
Egypt is unique because of its magnificent buildings from all eras of human history.

The area of the Nile Delta and the entire Nile valley was already in the Stone Age and before about 5000 years ago here, one of the first civilizations of mankind.

The architects of the time of the world have impressive buildings behind. So at the Giza Cheops pyramid, which resulted in one of the Seven Wonders of the World counts? In addition there is the famous Sphinx. Both buildings have been adopted by the UNESCO in the List of World Heritage recorded.

Another cultural attraction is in central Egypt on the Nile city of Luxor is. There is the palace of Ramses II with the famous seated statues, museums and even some old hotels
, which become clear that this place long time ago as a popular tourist destination.

Just outside is also the famous Valley of the Kings, with the grave Tutanchamun and the Temple of Hatshepsut and the gigantic rocks of Karnak Temple and the remains of the ancient city of Thebes.
Almost all buildings in and around Luxor are also UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A holiday in Egypt combines fun, recreation and culture in a successful combination.

About the Author

I was born 1972 in Berlin. After a few years as a tour guide, I now live in Munich.

Top U.S Casino’s Bet That Macau will start to pay off

Article by Annie Wei

When U.S. casino giants Las Vegas Sands (LVS) and Wynn Resorts (WYNN) first set foot on these islands in the South China Sea a few years ago, skeptics warned their bet on Asian gambling could turn into a bust.
But their bet appears to be paying off, at least for now. Macau- sometimes called Macao – has not only overtaken Las Vegas as the world’s top gambling market, but its casinos are rebounding smartly even as gambling “remains stuck in America’s recessionary mud,” as Moody’s Senior Vice President Keith Foley puts it.
In October, Macau gambling revenue hit an all-time high of .59 billion after setting a record just two months earlier. The Chinese New Year’s holiday, which lasts for about two weeks starting on Feb. 14, is one of the busiest gambling periods of the year and should provide another boost to business as Asian workers take vacation and head for the casinos en masse.
“People want to try their luck,” says Manuel Joaquim das Neves, director of Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau. The Chinese believe that on New Year’s, “If you have luck, then you’ll have luck all year.”

The emergence of Macau – about 40 miles west of Hong Kong- as a gambling powerhouse is a sign of China’s economic might and the spending potential of the country’s 1.3 billion occupants. In just a few years, American gambling companies have seen their Macau properties become as vital, if not more so, to their bottom line as their more established Las Vegas properties. The global economic downturn has also highlighted the need for U.S. companies to diversify their gambling operations. At the moment, Asia is as promising a market as any for gambling.
“This is a market you have to be in if you want to be a world-class operator,” says Mark Dvorchak, a managing partner at Pro Forma Advisors, which provides economic analysis for gambling- and entertainment-related development projects. “You have to be here, given the population, given the economic power.”

But with the promise of this region comes the pitfalls of a still-nascent casino industry struggling to gain its footing. Because Macau relies heavily on visitors from the mainland, the Chinese government’s sporadic travel restrictions to the region threaten to severely crimp profits.
More gambling venues and hotels are also planned for the Cotai Strip – a patch of reclaimed land between the Taipei and Coloane Islands that forms part of Macau – which, when completed, will increase competition for existing casinos.
And U.S. companies here are still struggling to fulfill their vision of turning Macau into a full-throttle shopping, gambling and dining venue, like Las Vegas.
Problem is, “It’s mostly guys who go to Macau,” says Sebastian Lee, 25, who travels here from Taichung, Taiwan, twice a year with his friends. “Guys don’t really see shows. They don’t really want to shop.”

Macau’s gambling revenue fell sharply in early 2009. But it’s since recovered, along with the Chinese economy, unlike Las Vegas, where casinos are still struggling amid flagging consumer spending and airlines’ reduced flights to the city.
For the first nine months of 2009, Wynn Resorts collected nearly 60% of its net revenue from Macau, with the rest coming from U.S. properties, including Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Las Vegas Sands posted .35 billion net revenue in Macau during this time, more than double that of its U.S. casinos.

“Clearly, you might say that we are more of an Asian company with properties in the U.S.” than a U.S. company with properties in Asia, says Sheldon Adelson, chief executive of Las Vegas Sands, which owns three casino properties in Macau through a publicly traded Hong Kong company and is opening a .5 billion casino development in Singapore this year.
Reliance on luck
At Adelson’s 10.5 million-square-foot Venetian Macao on the Cotai strip one recent rainy day, gamblers staked their spots at baccarat, blackjack and poker tables. The gamblers were mostly Asian males, with a disproportionate number playing in the Red Dragon gaming area.
“There are always more people in the red area,” says Mabel Wu, a Venetian Macao spokeswoman as she walked through the casino floor, which also had blue, gold and green gaming areas. “They believe it’s lucky.”
But the red zone could also be perpetually busy because it’s close to a noodle restaurant and bathrooms, Wu notes.
While gamblers across the world rely to some extent on luck to guide their bets, perhaps none do so more than Asians. Many Asian gamblers believe in superstitions such as changing their clothes – preferably to a red color – if they’re on a losing streak or not allowing someone to touch their back while they’re playing, because it could rub their luck off, says Lee, the Taiwanese gambler.
In Asia, “There’s a reliance on luck that probably drives more acceptance of gambling,” Dvorchak says.
Such beliefs help explain why gambling is so entrenched in Chinese culture, why some people flock to the casinos during the New Year’s holiday, and why standard baccarat – a game of pure chance rather than skill – is such big business for casino operators in Macau, says Ricardo Siu, an associate professor at the University of Macau. It also points to the challenge that U.S. gaming operators have in understanding, and serving, this high-spending population.
In 2008, the average visitor gambled 4 in Macau, nearly three times the amount gambled by a Las Vegas visitor, according to CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets, a research and brokerage firm.
While gamblers come to Macau from all over the world, the casinos here depend on Asian visitors – specifically, those from Hong Kong and the mainland – to keep its gambling tables full. “The Chinese don’t go to Macau to gamble for fun; they see gambling as serious business,” says Aaron Fischer, head of Asian consumer and gaming research at CLSA.
He attributes higher consumer spending in Macau to the Chinese economy’s growth – gross domestic product rose 9% year over year in the third quarter of 2009 after years of double-digit growth – which has boosted consumers’ disposable income.
Las Vegas down, not out
Las Vegas Sands and MGM Mirage (MGM)- which operates its Macau casino with a local partner – are hoping to persuade Macau high rollers to spend even more.
But their posh restaurants, luxury shops and elaborate entertainment have yet to catch everyone’s fancy: While the average Las Vegas visitor stays nearly four days, Macau visitors stay only about a day and a half, because they’re generally coming in just to gamble, according to CLSA.
It is “very unlikely that Macau will ever replicate the Las Vegas model,” given Asians’ preference for gambling, writes Anil Daswani, global head of gaming at Citigroup Global Markets, in a January research report.
“Macau is about gaming; Vegas is about entertainment,” says Daswani.
Even so, some experts say that it might be a blessing in disguise that Macau wasn’t overly reliant on entertainment-related revenue during the downturn. Analysts point out that one reason Las Vegas casinos have yet to recover is that U.S. consumers, with less disposable income, are cutting back on discretionary spending, including dining, shopping and entertainment.
Vices such as gambling have generally been more recession-proof, says Kareem Jalal, publisher of Inside Asian Gaming. Yet, even Las Vegas’ gambling has been hit amid the severity of the recession and credit crunch in the U.S., he notes.
In recent months, the Las Vegas market has shown signs of a fledgling recovery. Visitors are returning, but revenue is still down significantly, according to data from the American Gaming Association, an industry trade group.
“A lot of people are going to Las Vegas, but they’re not spending as much,” says the group’s CEO Frank Fahrenkopf. Fahrenkopf expects another few tough quarters for Las Vegas casinos, followed by a gradual recovery.
Analysts say while Las Vegas casinos are down, they’re certainly not out.
“Anybody who bets against Las Vegas in the long run will be placing a losing bet,” says Jonathan Galaviz, an independent travel and leisure strategist. “I am very confident in the long-term viability of Las Vegas as a tourism destination.”
Gambling has long been a part of Macau’s history, but until 2002, the industry was monopolized by local tycoon Stanley Ho. Then, the government opened the door to foreign investors, and American gambling companies staked their claim on Macau.
Fueled by a vision of creating a Las Vegas of the East, U.S. gambling operators loaded up on debt to build massive casinos here. At the same time, they expanded their properties in Las Vegas.
Trouble could be long-term
This overleveraging “was perpetuated by the bubble environment,” and casinos’ view that they’d thrive in any economy, says Bill Lerner, a partner at Union Gaming Group, a research and advisory firm.
These high debt loads now threaten to haunt casino companies for years to come. In Singapore, if Las Vegas Sands’ new casino doesn’t perform well, the company could face troubles paying its debt, says Foley, of Moody’s.
Las Vegas casinos must also grapple with a glut of hotel rooms and Macau properties with the likelihood of slower growth as China’s government tries to balance consumers’ desire to gamble with the societal problems created on the mainland.
“Beijing wants to see managed growth in Macau, and we would take that to mean gaming revenue will grow at a pace that’s somewhat consistent with China GDP,” says Daswani.
Still, even controlled growth in Macau is looking pretty good these days for U.S. casino companies.
“Hopefully, the improvement of the Macau properties will offset any further declines in the Las Vegas properties,” says Foley. “The trend in Macau right now is positive, and will provide an earnings catalyst” for U.S. firms.

About the Author

Annie Wei is a financial analyst for Shin Kong Wedbush based in Taipei, Taiwan. Annie Wei written for many international financial newspapers, journals and magazines. Her daily Market Updates are quoted and reported on in the international financial press on a daily basis. Dow Jones MarketWatch, International Business Times, Bloomberg, Dow Jones Newswires, CNN Money, Associated Press, the International Herald Tribune, the FT and many others have all featured her analysis.