Junket promoter Suncity Group has aligned itself with a group of Japanese businesses last year to help in its goal of becoming part of the integrated resort (IR) market in Japan. Bloomberry Resorts, which owns and operates the Solaire Resort & Casino in the Philippines, has talked about a potential IR bid since the subject first came up for discussion. Both companies have their eye on Wakayama and both spent some time in front of local representatives this week showing off their concepts.
Suncity believes it can offer a “brand new IR in Wakayama that the world has never seen.” The company’s executive director, John Au, unveiled the IR concept, adding that it would offer a large hotel and exhibition hall, as well as a water taxi port and facilities if approved. He explained, “The site will attract the most well-to-do in Asia as a gathering point for entertainment and traditional culture.”
A website has been launched to support its campaign, as well. It gives an overview of the IR concept and includes a short video of renderings of how the development may look. Suncity states on the site, “We will challenge regional revitalization centering on integrated resort facilities. Nature, culture, history and people’s activities. We will promote the development of international tourism cities that make the most of the assets of Wakayama Prefecture, focusing on integrated resort facilities.”
Bloomberry established Bloomberry Resorts Japan to assist in its efforts. That company’s VP, Mitsuaki Kiriyama, presented its ideas to the representatives, detailing a massive 2,500-room hotel and the largest exhibition hall in the world. Those highlights will most likely be received with enthusiasm, as Japan wants its IR industry to focus on complete options for all types of travelers, not just gamblers.
Kiriyama added, “We will develop variety in tourism that includes education, agriculture and fishing in the Kansai area, and cooperate with local governing bodies to achieve a special economic zone.”
Wakayama is one of the top candidates to host an IR once Japan finally opens the bidding wars. Osaka and Tokyo are also at the top of the list, but the final plans have not yet been revealed. Wakayama is confident that it will make the cut, and is dedicating efforts to ensure that it is in a strong position to be selected. Japan is expected to begin making its final decisions later this year after it is sure that it has the necessary IR framework in place.
