(Macao, Feb, 2016) – The Venetian® Macao welcomed the Year of the Monkey in spectacular style at an opening ceremony today that officially kicked off “Seasons of Prosperity”.

Once again supported by the Macao Government Tourism Office, “Seasons of Prosperity” is The Venetian Macao's annual celebration that welcomes Chinese New Year offers an array of entertainment options for all the family. Enjoy all the festivities from Feb. 2 – 22, 2016 at the outdoor lagoon area of The Venetian Macao.

Among the wondrous and admission-free events on offer is the “Seasons of Prosperity” 3-D light and sound spectacular that beams New Year images on to the façade of The Venetian Macao. There are also mini-models of traditional Chinese New Year activities on display as well as the ever-popular 3-D illusion paintings.

The festival also includes a cultural exhibition of monkey sculptures under the title of “Creative Creatures – Art and the Chinese Zodiac.” The project returns in 2016 in support of local art project “Anno Simius.” A total of 25 local artists have each hand-decorated a fibreglass monkey in their own inimitable style. Visitors can see 25 monkey sculptures, 13 of which will be at Sands Resorts Cotai Strip Macao including the outdoor lagoon area at The Venetian Macao and the Bridge of Stars from Feb. 3 – 22, while the other 12 will be on display at other Macao attractions from Feb. 3 – March 8. From Feb. 23 the 13 sculptures from Sands Resorts Cotai Strip Macao will be moved to locations around Macao until March 8.

The “Seasons of Prosperity” opening ceremony was officiated by Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office and Dr. Wilfred Wong, President of Sands China Ltd. on Feb. 2 at The Venetian Macao's Cotai Expo Hall F. They kicked off the celebrations by symbolically dotting the eyes of the lions and unveiling the 25 beautiful hand-decorated monkey sculptures during the opening ceremony.

“We are thrilled to once again bring the ever-popular 'Seasons of Prosperity' to the outdoor lagoon area of The Venetian Macao to entertain visitors and locals alike this Chinese New Year,” said Dave Horton, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Las Vegas Sands Corp. and Sands China Ltd. “We are equally pleased to lend support to 'Anno Simius.' The sculpture exhibition, which is fast becoming an annual tradition here at The Venetian Macao, is important as it offers local artists a platform to showcase their considerable talents and helps us support the Macao government's efforts to promote Macao as a world centre of tourism and leisure.”

Also this Chinese New Year, followers of the official Sands Resorts Macao WeChat account can participate in the Lucky Red Packet Sands Shake promotion. From Feb. 5-29, followers can do WeChat shake at Sands Resort properties and have the chance to win MOP 1,000 shopping vouchers, prizes and exclusive retail offers. Simply shake your phone at the “Sands Shake” locations including the main lobby and the west lobby of The Venetian Macao, St. Mark's Square and Sands Cotai Central Paradise Gardens and do the WeChat shake to win. You can shake and receive up to eight red packets at each location every day, so visit all of them to maximise your chances to win different prizes.

With so many activities on offer, you are sure to enjoy a fantastic Chinese New Year. For more Chinese New Year promotions at The Venetian Macao, please visit the property website: www.venetianmacao.com.           

The Venetian Macao Outdoor Lagoon Area Event Schedule:

For high resolution photos, please access one of the following:

Via Web browser:

http://tinyurl.com/SeasonsOfProsperity-OC

(Link is valid for 7 days)

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About The Venetian® Macao

Opened in 2007, The Venetian® Macao 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 350 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.

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