With its giant golden lotus flower skyscraper perched atop an egg-shaped dome, the Grand Lisboa casino resort has long been a landmark and symbol of prosperity and good fortune for the Chinese territory of Macau.

But as the city’s draconian zero-Covid restrictions ended last month, only a few dozen patrons were on the main gaming floor of the 14-year-old property, owned by the late gambling mogul Stanley Ho’s SJM Holdings. The lifting of restrictions had contributed to a high Covid infection rate among staff at Macau’s tallest building, while tourists were slow to return.

Almost half of its baccarat betting tables were left unattended or unused. An area for high-stakes betting was closed and its six restaurants, including the three-star Michelin-rated Robuchon au D?me, were not fully open.