Inside Asian Gaming

IAG JUL 2020年7月 亞博匯 52 JAPAN know that Austria is one of only four countries in the world that has always maintained neutrality, and the headquarters of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) is located in the capital of Vienna. This means the nation has high affinity with Nagasaki, a city that symbolizes peace. TY: What do you believe are the strengths of Casinos Austria? AH: Our strengths are results cultivated over many, many years and our rich knowledge. We also have a presence in 35 countries where we have, of course, cleared all regulations and succeeded in operations as well as becoming familiar with each of the local cultures. We hope to make a compilation of that success and experience into the best IR in the world in Nagasaki. TY: One of your rivals in Nagasaki, Hong Kong’s Oshidori International Holdings Ltd, has recruited former MGM boss Alejandro Yemenidjian to lead its Japan IR bid. That appears to be a strong appointment – what are your thoughts? AH: The news of this appointment alone has helped earn Nagasaki a lot of attention. I am looking forward to a fair and friendly competition. The Nagasaki Lantern Festival is held annually to celebrate Lunar New Year. 長崎燈會是每年慶祝農曆新年的特色活動。 TY: What do you want to achieve in Nagasaki? AH: The site already has a European-type town in Huis Ten Bosch. We hope to add hot spring treatments as well as cutting-edge medical care, and create a unique European flavor fused with “Japanese” in the art museum. We are also aiming to make Kyushu/Nagasaki a gateway and regional revitalization area by attracting guests through Vienna Philharmonic and Vienna Youth Choir performances, classical European music, exhibits of artists such as Gustav Klimt and even hosting the World Peace Council. TY: What sort of adjustments have you had to make due to the COVID-19 crisis? AH: We are always conscious of the three pillars of safety, security and stability. These are minimum requirements to function as a company in this day and age. Our strength is the ability to respond to changes in the times with flexibility. While COVID-19 has had a significant impact, we have been able to minimize problems from that. We remain steadfast and have actually progressed in our hopes to make a Nagasaki IR a reality.