Canada-based Clairvest is the only company now in the race to be named the preferred operating partner for Wakayama’s bid to land one of three Integrated Resort casinos following the withdrawal of Asian junket investor Suncity Group from the tender.
Suncity had previously stated that an Integrated Resort in the Kansai region of Wakayama would cost between HK$30bn and HK$35bn.
However, Suncity CEO Alvin Chau confirmed that several companies’ uncertain situations may continue for a long time. He also added that the IR project procedure in Japan will take much longer.
Clairvest is now the only bidder after the withdrawal. The Canadian company has completed a project in India and operates several integrated resorts in Canada, the US, and Chile.
Clairvest hasn’t said much about its project. But Vice Chairman and Managing Director Jeff Parr previously stated in a statement received by Asian Gaming Brief: “Clairvest will act as the quarterback for the RFP response; bringing together leading MICE operators, gaming operators, hospitality, and entertainment operators.”
The plan for Wakayama is to build a casino on an artificial island called Marina City. It is located east of Osaka in the Japanese prefecture of Wakayama. It must have 50,000 square meters of MICE space and a casino that takes up no more than 3% of the total space. The government also wants a 2,500-room hotel at its IR.
Wakayama had attracted attention from 20 international IR operators from North America, Europe, and Asia. It already has a well-developed infrastructure, including numerous hotels and an amusement park themed after medieval European towns.
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