Ice World 2012 at The Venetian Macao

Ice World 2012

A frozen wonderland is back at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel for another unforgettable northern hemispheres summer, as Ice World 2012 started on Friday 19 May at CotaiExpo 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:

Ice World 2012

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.

Ice World 2012

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

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.