Another of one Canada's superstars has been struggling to make it big in China. First Blackberry struggles with growth in China and now Cirque du Soleil has called it quits only 3 and a half years into its 10 year contract. Cirque has pulled its show 'Zaia' out of Macau due to disappointing ticket sales.
The key reason for its failure is Cirque did not quite understand their market. Visitors to Macau, who are mainly from China, focus on gambling and stay for an average of 1.5 nights. The sole purpose of their trip is to gamble. Quite the contrast from the mature Vegas market where people stay for 3.5 days and gamble, shop, eat, catch a fight and watch the Vegas shows. Despite the short stays, the gambling revenue in Macau surpasses Las Vegas by leaps and bounds.
Another reason why I think Cirque did not do well is that there are so many similar type large production shows in Mainland China. Lots of high caliber shows in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guilin, Xian and Beijing are offered for a fraction of the price. Many of these shows are also featured in our popular China tours.
That being said, is Macau still a destination worth visiting? The answer is most definitely! Macau, which was colonized by the Portuguese and recently handed back to the Chinese, is accented with Portuguese architecture, food and culture. Something quite unique for the nation of China.
So if you are bound for Hong Kong, I suggest a day trip to Macau by ferry. Participants will leave their Hong Kong hotel in the morning, enjoy a city tour of Macau, take pleasure in a seafood lunch and return to Hong Kong just in time for dinner. Pricing starts from only $121 per person.
Happy Thursday,
Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations
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