Stunning new ice carvings at CotaiExpo provide family fun for all
(Macao, May 18, 2012) – A frozen wonderland is back at The Venetian® Macao- Resort-Hotel for another unforgettable summer, as Ice World 2012 kicked off Friday at CotaiExpoTM Hall F for its four-month run, open daily until September 16, 2012.
“Ice World is one of the most spectacular attractions in Macao and Sands China Ltd. is extremely proud to bring it back again this year,” said Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sands China Ltd., at the exhibition’s opening ceremony. “Where else in Macao can you escape the summer heat in quite the same way as at Ice World? Last year’s exhibit was a great success, with close to a quarter of a million visitors enjoying this unique summer activity, and we look forward to another fabulous exhibition this summer.”
The opening ceremony was officiated by the following guests:
• Eng. João Manuel Costa Antunes, Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office
• Mr. Zhang Xiao Guang, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Culture and Education of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region
• Ms. Chen Ling, Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region
• Mr. Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd
• Mr. Gunther Hatt, Executive Vice President of Operations, Venetian Macau Limited
• Mr. Gene Capuano, Vice President of Convention and Exhibition Operations, Venetian Macau Limited
• Mr. Bai Wei, General Manager of Heilongjiang Provincial Ice and Snow Art Development Co. Ltd.

The universal appeal of Ice World made it a popular attraction among both residents and tourists last year, as it is expected to be again this year. Events like Ice World are part of Sands China Ltd.’s efforts to cement Macao’s position as Asia’s premier business and leisure destination, by broadening the city’s appeal to bring in more visitors and increase their length of stay.
Supported by the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), the 18,000-square-foot indoor ice hall is kept at minus eight degrees Celsius (seven degrees warmer than last year, to support a greener environment), and is divided into ten zones featuring magnificent ice sculptures. Ice World 2012 features all-new attractions, including famous Asian and local landmarks, a Fairytale Forest, a Magic Maze and a winding Double Dragon Slide.
Also new in 2012 is the display of two special ice sculptures, designed by winners of a local community art competition, and brought to life by the professional craftsmen from the world-renowned Heilongjiang Provincial Ice and Snow Art Development Co. Ltd. The Venetian Macao received 42 design submissions from five schools and 12 community centres, with entrants aged from 7 to 85 years old. Winners U Weng In, from Escola Católica Estrela do Mar, and George Ao, from the Macau Deaf Association, will be invited to bring nine guests to a luncheon hosted by The Venetian Macao, and will receive ten complimentary tickets to the exhibition.
Ice World 2012 is open to the public from 12 noon to 8 pm daily, with a general admission price of MOP 100. Hooded coats are provided for warmth and comfort, but visitors are encouraged to dress for the cold, which includes wearing closed-toe shoes and long pants. Socks, gloves and hats may be purchased on site, and limited numbers and sizes of boots will be available for rent as well. For more information about Ice World, please visit www.venetianmacao.com/iceworld.

Photo caption: Executives and dignitaries attend the opening ceremony of Ice World 2012 at The Venetian Macao’s CotaiExpo Friday.
From left to right: Bai Wei, General Manager of Heilongjiang Provincial Ice and Snow Art Development Co. Ltd.; Chen Ling, Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region; João Manuel Costa Antunes, Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office; Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd; Zhang Xiao Guang, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Culture and Education of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region; Gunther Hatt, Executive Vice President of Operations, Venetian Macau Limited and Gene Capuano, Vice President of Convention and Exhibition Operations, Venetian Macau Limited.
Photo caption: Winners of the Ice World 2012 Community Art Competition participate in an award presentation at the opening ceremony of Ice World 2012 at The Venetian Macao’s CotaiExpo Friday.
From left to right: George Ao, Macau Deaf Association; U Weng In, Leong Kin I and Kuan Choi Seong, Escola Católica Estrela do Mar; Lam Chan, Golden Age Elderly Centre and Gene Capuano, Vice President of Convention and Exhibition Operations, Venetian Macau Limited.

###
The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel 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 of convention and meeting facilities as well as a 15,000-seat CotaiArenaTM 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; MALO CLINIC Health & Wellness; the incredibly fun QUBE indoor playground and more than 300 retailers at The Grand Canal Shoppes. Outdoor recreation areas include swimming pools and cabanas and a mini-golf course.