Macao's Galaxy Entertainment Group, one of Asia's leading developers and operators of integrated entertainment and resort facilities and owner of Galaxy Casino SA, plans to introduce recreational facilities outside of gaming.

Lam Chi Seng, vice-president of public relations for the group, said, "We received a gaming concession from the Macao SAR government in 2002.

"Since then have learned through market research and analysis that most tourists come to Macao not just for gaming, but to take a vacation and enjoy their leisure time.

"Therefore, when we designed the StarWorld Hotel and Galaxy Macao, we decided to introduce diversified non-gaming recreational facilities to let guests have a leisure experience.

"Although the gaming revenue in Macao has decreased in recent months, we still believe this is a healthy adjustment because any single industry cannot maintain rapid growth. The gaming industry has already experienced explosive growth in the past 10 years, so the slight adjustment is healthy."

Lam said the group supports tourism, which is the pillar of Macao's economy, and other industries, including exhibition, leisure and retail service industries, to realize adequate diversification of the economy. Moreover, Macao needs to foster new industries and new economic growth points.

At present, Galaxy Entertainment owns and operates StarWorld Hotel and Casino - a five-star property on the Macao peninsula - and four City Club casinos in Macao. Galaxy Macao, the company's flagship integrated resort located on the burgeoning Cotai Strip, officially opened on May 15, 2011.

fanfeifei@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily USA 12/19/2014 page11)