Leading Japanese tourism and hospitality firm Kamori Kanko Co. Ltd has outlined its ambitious vision for a regional integrated resort in Hokkaido’s Rusutsu Village, including everything from casino and entertainment facilities to schools, healthcare centers, commercial and retail precincts and multi-family homes.
The project would encompass a sizeable expansion of Kamori Kanko’s already substantial facilities, which include the award-winning Rusutsu Resort Hotel and Convention Centre – a popular ski resort that attracts more than 1.5 million visitors per year. Rusutsu itself, located in the Shiribeshi sub-prefecture amid the most populous region of Hokkaido, is home to around 260,000 residents and has a catchment of more than three million residents within a 70-kilometre radius.
“An Integrated Resort at Rusutsu will allow for the development of core community-based support infrastructure,” said Kamori Kanko President Hisatake Kamori. “Aside from casino gaming, which is only a small component in the overall scheme, our vision includes healthcare facilities, schools, commercial and retail precincts, multi-family homes and more tourism and entertainment venues, all in an environmentally-friendly manner. It will be a true ‘integrated resort’.”
Kamori Kanko’s vision aims to create a hub in Central Hokkaido that encourages population growth and links two of the island’s largest sub-prefectures – Sapporo and Hakodate.
“Visitors come to Hokkaido for nature and the outdoors, skiing, local cuisine, culture and heritage,” Kamori said. “A Hokkaido integrated resort needs strong winter activities to support year-round tourism and to provide a unique experience for guests. Without the ski infrastructure, we do not believe an integrated resort can be successful during our cold winters.”
Rusutsu’s concept plans include 223,000 square meters of leisure and entertainment areas, comprising 1,300 hotel rooms, 25,000 square meters of MICE facilities and 6,800 square meters of gaming area plus spas, restaurants, bars and lounges and retail space. The gaming area would account for approximately 2.9% of the resort’s total gross floor area.
According to Kamori Kanko’s consultancy partner, The Innovation Group, combined GGR and non-gaming revenue for the facility is forecast at well over US$1 billion annually.
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