This year, MGM once again supported a group of faculty and students from the University of Macau (UM) in visiting hotel properties operated by MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas, USA.
In support of Macau’s moderate economic diversification and its development into a “World Center of Tourism and Leisure”, MGM remains dedicated to empowering local talent and supporting the city’s long-term growth through education and training.
The study tour, which focused on the theme of “Tourism + Sports”, included 35 participants from the UM’s Faculty of Business Administration, and aims to broaden the international perspective of students aspiring to pursue careers in the hospitality and tourism industries, thereby equipping them with the competitiveness to shape the future of Macau’s tourism landscape.
MGM has long been committed to nurturing tourism talent in Macau and has supported similar study tours for UM faculty and students for more than a decade. As a world-renowned resort destination, MGM Resorts International runs leading sports venues and features world-class entertainment offerings. It presents an ideal platform for students to gain valuable exposure to the operational models of global tourism enterprises.
Wendy Yu, Executive Vice President of Human Resources of MGM, said: “Talent is the driving force behind Macau’s transformation into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. At MGM, nurturing young talent is a core part of our mission. Through international exchange, professional training, and hands-on internship opportunities, we are committed to helping the next generation connect with the world and gain leading industry insights. We firmly believe that by continuously creating a supportive environment for youth development, we can cultivate a competitive workforce that contributes to Macau’s diversified economic growth. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen industry-academic collaboration and provide robust support for young people’s career development.”
The itinerary included guided visits to several properties under MGM Resorts International, including Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, MGM Grand, and Mandalay Bay. A key focus of the tour was the sports, convention, and entertainment facilities of MGM Resorts International, giving students firsthand insight into sports tourism initiatives. These visits provided valuable perspectives on the Company’s strategies across branding, marketing, gaming, and entertainment—demonstrating how large-scale sporting events are leveraged to drive tourism growth.
The delegation was warmly received by Sean Lanni, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and other team members. Drawing on his prior experience working at MGM in Macau, Lanni shared the Company’s global vision and explained how sports tourism has become an integral part of its overall business strategy.
MGM also arranged a series of insightful talks where executives from various properties elaborated on how sporting events drive hotel demand, the Company’s brand marketing approaches, and how data analytics is used to enhance customer experience and loyalty.
Alex Chio, a student who joined the tour, shared: “Las Vegas is a place many tourism and hospitality professionals dream of visiting for learning opportunities. I’m truly grateful to MGM for organizing such a thoughtful and inspiring program. It was eye-opening to see how MGM Resorts International integrates entertainment and sports to attract travelers from around the world. What impressed me most was the chance to engage directly with senior executives, gaining first-hand perspectives on the global hospitality industry—which will certainly guide me as I consider my own career path.”
