Hotel occupancy flat in Golden Week: Bowie

Thursday 29th of September 2016

MGM China CEO and executive director Grant Bowie says he expects hotel occupancy to be flat during Golden Week.

Bowie made the comments to local reporters at an MGM event on Thursday.

“Our occupancy is looking quite strong and positive, but we all understand now that these traditionally large holidays are not as busy as they were in the past because in Mainland China people are changing their holiday patterns,” said Bowie.

Bowie was also optimistic over MGM China’s revenue figures this month.

“I think the month will be reasonably consistent. We’re obviously hoping to see improvement year-on-year. If we see that – particularly in the mass market – I think everyone will be happy,” he said.

In regards to banning dealers from gambling in off-duty hours, Bowie said there is “never one solution to address those issues.”

“I’m not personally a supporter of banning people because what then happens is that if they break the ban, they could be committing an offense and I don’t think that issue of problem gaming [should be considered] a criminal offense,” he said “I think it’s a social issue. It needs to be managed.”

Earlier this week, SJM Holdings executive director Angela Leong On Kei has urged the government to legislate the ban of gaming workers from casinos.

Leong said in a written commentary that she was concerned about the lack of timetable from the government in implementing the ban.

Bricks & Mortar Hotel Golden Week Occupancy Revenue