Celebration of Hotel Okura Macau's Opening Shows True Asian Heart

Lion dances, Japanese drums, and sake barrel breaking entertain VIP guests at ceremony to celebrate the opening of the latest elegant 5-star hotel from Japan's legendary hotel group.

HONG KONG and MACAU, July 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- 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 in Macau and to underline the Asian heritage which makes it such an integral part of the Galaxy Macau 'World Class, Asian Heart' philosophy.

The celebrations 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.

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.

Adding a fresh new dimension to the only truly integrated destination resort in Macau, 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 Okura Macau.

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."

About Galaxy Macau

Galaxy Macau™ is the only truly authentic Asian five-star resort destination in Macau. Developed at an investment of nearly HK$15 billion, it includes more than 2,200 rooms, suites and villas across three world-class hotels: the award-winning and ultra-exclusive Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Japan's legendary Okura Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, and the highly anticipated five-star Galaxy Hotel™. Facilities include a selection of more than 50 food and beverage outlets, including the widest selection of pan-Asian cuisine in Macau; distinctive retail shopping; and the Grand Resort Deck with lush oasis gardens covering its 52,000 square meters, the world's largest skytop wave pool, and a 350-ton white sand beach. For more details, please visit www.galaxymacau.com/en/.

About Okura Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

Okura Hotels & Resorts is an international hotel group operated by Hotel Okura Co., Ltd. Working with its corporate philosophy of providing the best accommodations, cuisine and service (Best ACS), Okura Hotels & Resorts commands a total of 24 member hotels in Japan and abroad, including three new hotels that are planned to be opened in the near future.

Over the 30 years that have passed since its formation, Okura Hotels & Resorts has constructed a global network of high-quality international hotels. Fusing the delicate beauty and subtleties of Japanese culture with European and American convenience and functionality, Hotel Okura Macau welcomes guests from around the world to its spaces of relaxation and comfort.