Macau casino operator SJM Holdings Ltd says it is “strengthening the group’s competitiveness in the mid-sized… sector” for meetings incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) business, by adding two new event spaces at its Cotai resort Grand Lisboa Palace (pictured).
The company says it will expand the HKD39-billion (US$5.02-billion currently) property’s overall event-hosting capacity “by 132 percent” by adding ‘Garden House’, a 2,000-square-metre (21,528-sq-foot) “flexible indoor-outdoor venue”, and ‘Grand Hall’, a 2,900-sq-metre venue that will be “outfitted with state-of-the-art audio-visual and conference facilities”.
The information was in a Tuesday press release, issued after the Hong Kong-listed group’s full-year trading results.
Daisy Ho Chiu Fung, chairman of SJM Holdings , was cited as saying the group was “delighted to see Grand Lisboa Palace… gaining momentum, strengthening its market position with an expanding portfolio of non-gaming attractions that cater to a broad spectrum of customers.”
The firm stated: “In the first half of 2025, SJM will expand its cultural offerings at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort with the launch of a resident show and a permanent art gallery, enriching the property’s entertainment and cultural portfolio while attracting a broader audience through immersive travel experiences.”
In January, the group announced that it would launch in April a “residency show” at Grand Lisboa Palace. “The Adventures of ALICE ＠ Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau” will be produced in partnership with Hong Kong Ballet, a classical ballet company founded in 1979 in the neighbouring city.
On Tuesday, SJM Holdings added that at Grand Lisboa, its downtown-Macau casino hotel, new function rooms and a refurbished grand ballroom would be added, “further enhancing the property’s appeal to high-value travellers, and complementing its renowned fine-dining offerings”.
The company also reiterated some information it gave in November – at the time of its third-quarter highlights – on upgrades to be made to Grand Lisboa, a property which had a phased opening from February 2007.
The firm stated in its Tuesday update: “Grand Lisboa is set to embark on a comprehensive upgrade programme, including a full renovation of all typical rooms and a room inventory expansion of over 10 percent through the conversion of former junket areas into exclusive villas, mansions, and suites.”
It added, referring to the original Macau flagship property of its parent STDM, where SJM Holdings runs the gaming: “As this transformation unfolds, the appending Hotel Lisboa will be rolling out its own newly-refurbished rooms in phases, seamlessly supporting Grand Lisboa’s operations in a closely coordinated effort to minimise disruptions.”
SJM Holdings had reported on Tuesday that it was back in the black for full-year 2024, after a HKD2.01-billion loss for 2023.
Tuesday’s post-results announcement stated: “Culinary innovation remains central to SJM’s strategy. Seven new dining concepts are set to open at Grand Lisboa Palace resort, spanning global brands to local favourites offering a variety of cuisines, alongside three additions at Grand Lisboa.”
The firm added: “These venues will create a well-balanced F&B [food and beverage] portfolio for SJM by expanding mass-market offerings in response to demand, driving incremental revenue, and enhancing the competitive positioning of both properties.”
