Traveller reviews recognise top-performing hotels

(Macao, June 13, 2014) – The Venetian® Macao and Sands® Macao have each received a Certificate of Excellence award from TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site.    

The distinction by TripAdvisor honours hospitality excellence, given only to establishments consistently achieving outstanding traveller reviews on the website, bestowed on qualifying businesses worldwide. Establishments awarded the Certificate of Excellence are located around the world and represent the upper echelon of businesses listed at TripAdvisor.

“Our properties are dedicated to delivering unforgettable experiences for our guests,” said Gunther Hatt, Executive Vice President of Operations for Sands China Ltd. “Receiving a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor is clear confirmation of the success of that mission. The award is a proud badge of honour for us, since it's based on customer reviews, and we're so grateful to our guests for taking the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor.”

Two other hotels at Sands China properties at Cotai Strip Resorts Macao also hold a Certificate of Excellence: Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central; and Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central. In addition, TripAdvisor named Conrad Macao Hotel, Cotai Central one of the Top 25 Hotels in China in its 2014 Travellers' Choice awards.

When selecting Certificate of Excellence winners, TripAdvisor uses a proprietary algorithm to determine the honourees, taking review ratings into account. Businesses must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, volume and recency of reviews. Additional criteria include a business's tenure and popularity ranking on the site.

Among its numerous accolades, The Venetian Macao holds a Gold-category Macao Green Hotel Award from the Environmental Protection Bureau of the Macao SAR, and its signature Indian restaurant the Golden Peacock has a coveted star from the illustrious Michelin Guide to Restaurants and Hotels.

Sands Macao has a Silver-category Macao Green Hotel Award from the Environmental Protection Bureau of the Macao SAR, and two of its restaurants – Copa Steakhouse and Golden Court – are listed in the 2014 Hong Kong Tatler Best Restaurants guide.

About The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel

Opened in 2007, The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel is Macao's first integrated resort featuring stunning replicas of the famous canals and architectural icons of Venice, Italy. The Venetian Macao features 3,000 suites, 1.2 million square feet (111,000 square metres) of convention and meeting facilities as well as a 15,000-seat Cotai Arena designed for world-class sports events and electrifying entertainment. The Venetian Macao is also home to the unique, 1,800-seat luxury Venetian Theatre, hosting the best in international and Chinese entertainment; more than 30 renowned restaurants; TAIVEXMALO Day Hospital & Spa; the incredibly fun QUBE indoor playground and more than 300 retailers at Shoppes at Venetian. Outdoor recreation areas include swimming pools and cabanas and a mini-golf course.

For more information, please visit www.venetianmacao.com.

About Sands® Macao

Opened in 2004, Sands® Macao is a world class hotel and entertainment complex with 289 luxury suites. Its stunning gold glass exterior houses a wide range of diversions including specialty restaurants, a heated outdoor swimming pool, deluxe spa and salon, conference and banquet facilities and unrivalled gaming excitement and live entertainment. It is also home to the Paiza Club: an invitation-only international VIP club with 51 premium suites with size, opulence and grandeur that rivals the best the world has to offer.

As the first hotel and entertainment complex in Macao owned and operated by an international operator, Sands Macao quickly set the benchmark for future developments in Macao.

For more information, please visit www.sandsmacao.com.

About TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor® is the world's largest travel site*, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching nearly 260 million unique monthly visitors**, and more than 150 million reviews and opinions covering more than 4 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions. The sites operate in 39 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to millions of monthly TripAdvisor visitors.

TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP) manages and operates websites under 22 other travel media brands: www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.gateguru.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.jetsetter.com, www.niumba.com,  www.onetime.com, www.oyster.com, www.seatguru.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.travelpod.com, www.tripbod.com, www.vacationhomerentals.com, www.virtualtourist.com, and www.kuxun.cn.

 *Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, Q1 2014

 **Source: Google Analytics, average monthly unique users, Q1 2014; does not include traffic to daodao.com

Media contacts:

Public Relations, Venetian Macau Limited

Lily Cheng

Tel: +853 8118 2013

Email: lily.sw.cheng@sands.com.mo

Lucas Chan

Tel: +853 8118 2624

Email: lucas.chan@sands.com.mo