“We have signed a basic agreement with Casinos Austria International Japan, formalising the company as the facility construction and operator,” said Hodo Nakamura, Nagasaki’s Governor. “The operator’s business proposal is backed by a business track record in Europe and other international markets and aims to realise a traditional and luxurious integrated resort of the world’s highest standard, in harmony with the landscape of Huis Ten Bosch.”
Based on Casinos Austria’s RFP submission, the company is prepared to invest JPY350bn ($3.2bn) into the project. It’s estimated that the number of annual visitors should reach 8.4 million. The Governor noted that an IR could help vitalise the local economy and tourism industry that was impacted by the pandemic. It should also assist with the development of the Kyushu region.
“We will work to realise the Kyushu-Nagasaki IR with the highest regard for strict measures to mitigate public concerns such as gambling addiction,” added Nakamura.
There are, however, some doubts about the fairness of the selection process for the prefecture’s partner, as reported by GGRAsia. Parkview group, one of the contenders for Nagasaki’s IR partnership, alleged that the selection process lacked integrity. Another former potential partner, Oshidori, withdrew before the official partner was selected, stating the RFP process wasn’t conducted in an ethical manner.
In total, Japan will issue up to three permits for IRs, and currently, there are only a few prefectures still in the race. The deadline to submit development plans to the national government is 28 April 2022.
