Suncity Group’s Wakayama RFP application includes a video presentation from CEO Alvin Chau in which he says the company wants its Japanese IR to blend seamlessly with the prefecture’s natural surrounds.
Suncity Group CEO Alvin Chau has described his vision for a Wakayama integrated resort as one in tune with nature, incorporating the expansive natural surrounds and promoting the authentic local culture.
Suncity is one of two candidates to develop an IR in Wakayama, dubbed IR 2.0, at a site in Wakayama Marina City. If successful, the development would incorporate 2,600 hotel rooms and villas, restaurants, a sky lounge, hot springs and spas, a substantial conference and exhibition venue, indoor sports facilities and boat tours to nearby coastal towns and tourist attractions.
In a video compiled as part of Suncity Group’s Request for Proposal submission to Wakayama prefecture, Chau said making IR 2.0 one with nature was central to the company’s Japan ambitions.
“With such a rich natural environment, long history and culture, Wakayama is comparable to a first-class national park in Japan,” he said. “If our IR facilities are built here, I believe it would be something that has never been done before at any other IR sites today, [which is to be] combined with the local ecological environment, history and culture.
“Suncity Group will bring a new and different integrated resort concept. We will respect the existing Wakayama natural environment, history and culture, and develop harmoniously with the local community, so that the all of Wakayama is full of vitality, not just within the IR.
“We must retain Japanese culture in our IR. With many local elements and cooperating with partners within Wakayama and Japan, [our plan is] to hold lots of activities such as international conferences and exhibitions, and local cultural activities such as national arts.”
Suncity Group has already stated its intention to make Wakayama a haven for yachting and last year signed a youth academy official partner contract with the Japan Sail GP Team. It has also co-sponsored the youth training academy at the Wakayama Sailing Center (Marina City) and the marine conservation lecture group.
Chau said the prospective seaside location of IR 2.0 provided a unique opportunity for Suncity.
“If we are asked to choose the direction of our future IR, I think in addition to being a complex, in terms of tourism elements – because we are also in a seaside city – we will add some sports elements to develop health and wellness within the IR, and deliver positive messages.”
Detailing plans to focus on procuring the majority of its products and resources locally, Chau said Suncity “hopes to promote the local natural environment of Wakayama and the development of tourism. We want more people to understand the Japanese tradition of Wakayama, the history and culture.”
