PRAKRITI ROY brings you what’s in store for you if you visit The Parisian Macau, opening this September, which can probably become the next ‘It’ destination in Asia
Each year when the holidays come around, everybody gets busy looking for the perfect vacation spot to visit with their families. For Indians who’d like to travel abroad, the neighbouring countries are good options. But nothing beats the experience of visiting Macau and its beautiful hotels modelled on cities, like The Venetian Macau.
The Sands China ltd company, which owns a number of hotels in Macau, will soon be adding another property to their repertoire— The Parisian Macau. The hotel promises to give their guests a Parisian experience, right from French food, to French entertainment, and even an Eiffel Tower replica, albeit only half the size of the original.
Sands China ltd vice president of destination marketing and sales Ruth Boston tells you: “The Parisian has 3000 rooms and suites. It’s a jewel in the crown for Sands Resorts. It’s unique because of the Paris theme. It has some landmarks from Paris and architecture inspired from the historical city as well.”
Paris is an aspirational destination for many and that was probably the main reason why this particular theme was chosen. Moreover, entertainment being a key factor in selection of a holiday destination, The Parisian has lots to offer in that department as well. “We have accordion players, French singers and entertainers and lots of wandering minstrels dressed up in French costumes,” Boston tells you.
The most exciting part of the project is that the common spaces of The Venetian and The Parisian are connected through a walkway so that guests can use both the hotels. “All our properties are integrated into one resort, so you can actually spend time in seven different hotels,” adds Boston.
Till even 10 years back, there were not many Indians who thought of Macau as a travel destination, let alone stay at The Venetian. But Boston says that it changed after they hosted the IIFA Awards in 2009, and a few other award shows subsequently, like the Zee Cine Awards and Star Parivar Awards. “People in India really identify with Bollywood. And now when they think of Macau, they always think of The Venetian Macau. We hope The Parisian can be the next such destination,” she says.
The key landmark of the new hotel is the half scale replica of the Eiffel Tower that lends the Parisian theme all the authenticity it needs. “We couldn’t go higher than 150 metres because of the airport authority. But it has two viewing decks, a restaurant similar to the one in the real Eiffel Tower as well as a spectacular light show every night,” says Boston. To add authenticity, the Paris Opera, galleries and shopping districts from Paris have also been recreated at The Parisian Macau.
Considering the increasing terrorist activities in France and people fearing for their safety, the number of tourists to Paris will definitely see a downfall. But if one is really keen on getting the Paris experience, Boston says that they can head over to The Parisian Macau as they have tried to replicate Paris and French experiences as much as possible.
Boston, who has been in the hospitality business for many years now, has observed that with the growing Indian economy, the foreign travel market has really opened up to Indians. There are many who travel with extended families, several generations together, and a place like Macau is a good destination for these guests as there is something for everyone.
“We see a peak during the summer vacations and a lot of guests during Diwali as well. Our Indian customers enjoy the live shows and entertainment the most. They also love to eat, and not just Indian food any more. But we also have an Indian restaurant,” Boston signs off.