Melco Resorts Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho has unveiled the company’s concept for an integrated resort in Osaka, claiming the IR would be bigger than its two main Macau properties – City of Dreams and Studio City – combined.
As reported by the Sankei Shimbun, Ho emphasized during a press conference on Tuesday that Melco “will make our IR in Osaka bigger than both our resorts in Macau, China, put together.”
Ho also disclosed a concept video of the IR he hopes to build in Osaka. The theme is “City of the Future” and the potential property is to house a casino, hotel, commercial facilities and conference and exhibition facilities. It will be designed in a way that mimics Japan’s mountain chains, with the total amount of investment expected to be approximately JPY1 trillion (US$9.2 billion).
The video featured images of a property with self-driving electric cars and people enjoying themselves on a traditional Japanese houseboat. It stressed Melco’s strategy of focusing on the environment and cultural tradition. Facility details are expected to be publicized once Osaka prefecture and city starts officially accepting operator applications.
Ho’s announcement came on the very same day that rival bidder MGM Resorts officially revealed its own “Osaka First” policy.
Wynn Resorts also expressed its love for Osaka. Wynn CEO Matt Maddox confirmed the company’s interest in being selected as Osaka’s IR operator in his own interview with Sankei Shimbun in Osaka on 15 January, having become the latest boss of a foreign IR operator to have visited with Governor Matsui.
Melco’s Ho also plans to visit the governor in the near future.
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