- 35 UM students toured MGM properties in Las Vegas to learn about global hospitality practices.
- The study tour emphasized sports tourism, branding, and marketing strategies.
- MGM strengthens youth development through hands-on training and executive mentorship.
In a continued effort to nurture local tourism talent and support Macau’s transformation into a 'World Center of Tourism and Leisure', MGM has once again partnered with the University of Macau (UM) to support an international study tour for faculty and students. This year’s program took 35 participants from UM’s Faculty of Business Administration to explore premier hotel properties operated by MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas, USA.
Themed 'Tourism + Sports', the study tour was designed to broaden students’ global perspectives and equip them with insights into the hospitality and tourism industries. By immersing students in real-world business environments and exposing them to innovative operational models, the initiative aims to enhance their competitiveness and readiness to contribute to Macau’s evolving tourism landscape.
As a long-time advocate of education and talent development, MGM has supported similar initiatives for more than a decade. The company continues to invest in building a future-ready workforce through training, international exchange, and industry-academic collaboration.
During the visit, students toured iconic MGM Resorts International properties, including Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, MGM Grand, and Mandalay Bay. The itinerary focused on the integration of sports, conventions, and entertainment into the tourism experience, giving students a close-up view of how global tourism giants leverage large-scale sporting events to attract and retain visitors.
Sean Lanni, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, warmly welcomed the delegation. Drawing from his own experience at MGM in Macau, Lanni shared the company’s strategic focus on sports tourism and how it has become a core part of MGM’s global business vision.
Throughout the tour, students engaged in a series of insightful sessions hosted by MGM executives. These talks covered key topics such as the role of sports in driving hotel demand, brand marketing strategies, and the use of data analytics to improve customer experience and loyalty. The first-hand interaction with industry leaders offered participants unique insights into how cutting-edge practices shape the success of international hospitality brands.
Wendy Yu, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at MGM, commented: “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”.
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Student participant Alex Chio expressed deep appreciation for the experience, saying, “Las Vegas is a place many tourism and hospitality professionals dream of visiting. I’m truly grateful to MGM for organizing such an inspiring program. Engaging with senior executives and seeing how sports and entertainment are used to attract global travelers gave me clarity on my future career goals”.
With its ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and industry development, MGM continues to lead impactful initiatives that align with Macau’s broader goal of economic diversification and tourism excellence.
