Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and President of MGM Resorts International, said he has confidence in China’s hospitality industry and economy as the group’s remarkable expansion in the Chinese market reflects a significant leap forward with developments of high quality in key regions.

In an exclusive interview with China Daily, he highlighted that MGM will continue to expand its business in China and unveil strategic initiatives and cultural engagements in the country.

Hornbuckle was part of a U.S. trade delegation that attended a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, discussing ways to strengthen U.S.-China relations through increased bilateral travel and tourism.

“MGM Resorts is proud of our role in supporting U.S.-China relations,” he said.

Hornbuckle expressed excitement about revisiting post-COVID China, highlighting significant progress on MGM’s projects in key cities like Qingdao, Shandong province; Shanghai and Shenzhen, Guangdong province. “Our expansion into the Chinese market has been remarkable, reflecting a significant leap forward with high-quality developments in key regions,” he said.

MGM Resorts operates several brands in China, with more than 10 hotels about to open or under construction. The company’s development and operations include six hotel brands and a total of 20 projects.

Hornbuckle noted that during his visits, he witnessed the recovery and emerging trends in China’s cultural and tourism sectors, which he said inspire innovation and opportunities.

He also highlighted the successful development of a unique artistic and entertainment identity by MGM Hotels in China, which played an important role in differentiating the brand in the Asian market.

In Shenzhen, Hornbuckle supported the second annual event of “M Culture”, a cultural promotion program launched by MGM in 2023 to facilitate non-governmental exchanges and friendship between China and the United States.

MGM’s “M Culture” program, which integrates global and local cultural elements into its properties, has been well received by various stakeholders, including government ministries, hotel partners and the public, he said.

Hornbuckle emphasized the importance of art and culture in MGM’s strategy, aiming to inspire and engage with the cultural fabric of each community.

MGM Resorts, which has one of the largest corporate art collections in the United States, plans to bring selected works from its American collection to China for upcoming M Culture events. In addition, the company opened the Poly MGM Museum in MGM Macao, the first museum in Macau built to meet Chinese national standards for the exhibition of first-class cultural relics, serving as a platform for Sino-foreign cultural exchanges. .

Hornbuckle expressed confidence in China’s hotel industry and economy, stating that MGM would continue to expand its business in China.

Observing significant changes in China’s cultural tourism industry, Hornbuckle highlighted the importance of cultural influence and the need for hotels to offer better on-site cultural experiences, adding that MGM aims to blend luxury with the unique cultural charm of China, providing unparalleled opportunities for foreigners and tourists. local guests.

MGM’s development in China has accelerated, emphasizing regional advantages and development prospects in first-tier and emerging first-tier cities, he said.

The company plans to enhance interactive support between MGM hotels on the Chinese mainland and Macau, adding new experiences to the “one-hour circle of life” in the Guangdong-Greater Bay Area. Hong Kong-Macau.

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