Celebration of Hotel Okura Macau’s Opening Shows True Asian Heart
- 1. Mr. Francis Lui, Vice Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group and Mr. Yoshihiko Okura, Chairman of Hotel Okura Co. Ltd., dotted the lions’ eyes. This Chinese tradition to bless and awaken a new lion, drawing its spirit down from heaven to give it life, was a powerful symbol of the new life beginning at the Hotel Okura Macau.
- 2. The lion dance ended with the unfurling of two scrolls, one celebrating the opening of Hotel Okura Macau and the other wishing it success, prosperity and good business.
- 3. Okura’s Japanese heritage was evident when the dignitaries stepped forward for Kagami-biraki, the auspicious breaking of the sake barrel. This traditional Japanese ceremony represents harmony and good fortune. It is believed that once the lid of the sake barrel is opened, the Gods will grant many years of happiness and prosperity to Hotel Okura Macau. (From left to right): Mr. Heinz Roelz, Director, Hotels & Hospitality, Galaxy Macau; Mr. Toshihiro Ogita, President & CEO, Hotel Okura Co., Ltd.; Mr. Francis Lui, Vice Chairman, Galaxy Entertainment Group; His Excellency Mr. Yuji Kumamaru, Consul-General of Japan; Mr. Yoshihiko Okura, Chairman, Hotel Okura Co., Ltd.; Mr. Michael Mecca, President & Chief Operating Officer, Galaxy Entertainment Group; Mr. Harmen Dubbelaar, General Manager, Hotel Okura Macau
- 4. The dignitaries toasted to the success of the new Hotel Okura Macau.
- 5. The guests enjoyed a Japanese Taiko drum performance at the Hotel Okura Macau lobby.
(HONG KONG & MACAU, 5 July 2011) – On 2 July, over 100 VIP guests from Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the region attended a celebratory ceremony congratulating Hotel Okura Macau at Galaxy Macau™ on the success of its opening in May this year. Guests were treated to a spectacular display including lion dancing, Japanese Taiko drumming and the traditional breaking of the sake barrel to usher in good fortune for the new hotel and to underline the Asian heritage which makes it such an integral part of the Galaxy Macau ‘World Class, Asian Heart’ philosophy.
Adding a fresh new dimension to Macau’s only truly integrated destination resort, Hotel Okura Macau brings its own traditional Japanese style of service dedicated to delivering moments of kindness through gracious Japanese hospitality, personal touches like handmade origami cranes placed on pillows each night, and a very special welcome from the hotel’s traditionally dressed Kimono Ambassadors that greet every guest that arrives at the hotel.
In a speech at the opening event, Mr. Francis Lui, Vice Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group (HKEx stock code: 00027), said: “Through the legendary Hotel Okura, we are providing our guests with 500 opulent suites and luxurious guestrooms that redefine Japanese luxury and style. Okura’s harmonious combination of function and beauty can be found throughout the hotel and it gives Galaxy Macau a unique offering in the market and enhances the resort’s standing as a truly game-changing property. We are exceptionally pleased to partner with Okura Hotels & Resorts, one of Asia’s leading hospitality companies, and we are delighted that Galaxy Macau can play a part in Okura’s growth story across Asia and around the world.”
