In the Tokyo session explaining Nagasaki’s RFI process, a total of 50 companies sent representatives, including 11 integrated resorts operators. For the on-site session in Sasebo, a total of 26 companies participated, including two of the IR operators that were also present at the Tokyo session.
The local government has employed advisory firm Deloitte Tohmatsu since around the end of September to help it conduct its RFI process and to compile the local “IR Master Plan” before the end of March 2018.
Earlier this month, the Clairvest Group of Canada became the first international IR operator to open an office in Sasebo, signalling that they are among the most interested parties.
The local government envisions an IR that will build upon the success of the Huis Ten Bosch theme park, which is already the leading tourist attraction of the southern island of Kyushu. The conversion to an IR would likely be a relatively small development involving a roughly US$500 million investment in creating a casino hotel on the seafront, where the 27,000-square meter Rotterdam Parking Lot of the Huis Ten Bosch facility is currently located.
Source: GMB
