Good Morning. Loyalty is everything. IGT’s Michael Cheers points out that companies were forced to focus on their local market during COVID – improving their loyalty programs and setting up a more sustainable future. A future seeing strong growth in the Philippines – with IGT setting up its first Manila showroom this year. And in China – inbound tourism is improving, with HK, Korea, Japan and Singapore joining long-haul markets the US and the UK.
What you need to know
- COVID forced businesses to improve loyalty programs and refocus on the local market, says IGT’s Asia Sales Director Michael Cheers.
- Chinese inbound tourism is on the rise, with a spike in interest from HK, Korea, Japan and Singapore as well as the US and UK.
On the radar
- More than 20,000 esports hotels open in China with occupancy at 60%.
- Over 200k MICE visitors to Macau from January-March: IPIM.
- Macau operators responsible for supporting local cultural activities.
- Ainsworth appoints Deloitte as new auditor.
AGB Intelligence
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COVID forced companies to focus on locals: IGT’s Michael Cheers
Michael Cheers, IGT’s Sales Director for Asia, notes that there was one positive benefit of COVID – forcing companies to focus on the local market and improve their loyalty programs. The shift is healthy for the long-term, notes Cheers, who pointed out the example of the Philippines, a country poised for enough growth that the group is setting up its first showroom in the nation later this year.
Industry Updates
- PopOK Gaming releases its newest Instant Keno.
- SimplePlay launches new Table Game: “Color SicBo”.
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