The integrated resort, the second in Singapore, has been running simulation exercises involving 2,000 guests this week.

It said the hotel, stores and part of the exhibition and convention centre will be open.

The rest of Marina Bay Sands will open in phases with the grand opening on June 23.

The theatres, museum and Crystal Pavilions on Marina Bay will open later in the year.

Meanwhile, the Sands Expo and Convention Center will host its first event from May 2 onwards.

Restaurants, retailers and other tourist attractions in the area said they expect spillover effects from the opening of the integrated resort.

They are hopeful of a 20 per cent increase in business.

Caleb Goi, managing director, The Naturalist, Esplanade Mall, said: “I hope that it will be able to bring more crowds because of the new attractions at the Marina Bay area.”

Source: Channel News Asia, 24 Apr 2010

SINGAPORE’S decision to allow integrated resorts (IRs) with casinos to be built here has changed this country for ever – and it is already reaping the benefits.

‘Given that the IRs began hiring well before the opening of the properties, they clearly had a strong role to play in pushing down unemployment to 2.1 per cent,’ says Leong Wai Ho, an economist with Barclays Capital.

And the full potential of the IR effect has not been seen yet either. ‘Both are likely to operate at capacity from 2011 onwards at the earliest,’ he adds.

Mr Leong believes success in the IRs will be judged with a range of factors like room occupancy and tourism spending. Intangibles like the branding and image of Singapore will be important as well, ‘but relatively harder to measure’.

‘More importantly, to me at least, the IRs testify again to our nimbleness and ability to deliver pivotal change at various points in our economic history,’ he adds.

This said, it seems likely that more IRs will be built in the future.

Jonathan Galaviz, independent travel and leisure sector strategist, says: ‘If the Singapore IRs generate significant returns on investment, then I believe it would be likely the government would revisit the issue of allowing more integrated resorts upon expiration of the current IRs’ exclusivity period.’

And Singaporeans may not mind.

Derek da Cunha, author of Singapore Places Its Bets, says: ‘By then the local population would have been inured to having casinos around.’

He adds that the government may also be receptive to having more casino resorts as only private monies are involved. This, he says, will not only give a significant boost to the economy but help in the ‘continued evolution of the local architectural landscape and an economy that is giving increasing emphasis to the service sector’.

The success of the IRs is not a given, though.

The meeting, incentives, convention and exhibition (Mice) business is susceptible to economic cycles and theme parks generally take some years to generate profits. The strict junket licensing regulations here will not help either.

Mr da Cunha also adds: ‘If Singaporean and PRs are the main contributors to the casinos’ revenue, then some might argue that this ambitious project has not been a resounding success.’

A recent report by Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BoAML) estimates that about 50-60 per cent of the casino patrons at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) are Singaporean. BoAML also believes that the casino attracts between 20,000-25,000 visitors on weekdays (with more on weekends).

The opening of the casino at Marina Bay Sands will reveal if the business and leisure travel sector (and, more specifically, the gaming sector) can grow.

The biggest competition for Singapore now is Macau.

A report by Global Betting & Gaming Consultants (GBGC) reveals that gross gaming yield (GGR) in Macau’s market increased by 9.7 per cent in 2009 (year-on-year). GGR fell 13.7 per cent and 12 per cent in the Las Vegas and European markets respectively.

Casino revenues in Macau for the first quarter of 2010 were up 57.4 per cent to about US$5.1 billion compared to around US$3.3 billion a year ago.

Of course, Macau has over 30 casinos and Singapore must brace for competition.

‘Macau is simply the largest market and, as such, you would expect all major casino companies to be trying to build their operations there,’ says Sean Monaghan, managing director at AG Leisure Partners.

Interestingly, Singapore’s IRs could pose a threat to other jurisdictions too. Vincent Khoo, an analyst at UOB KayHian (Malaysia), says there has been noticeably lower visitor arrivals to Genting Highlands from Singapore since RWS opened.

Apart from Macau, IRs are set to pop up all over Asia: in Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Fortunately, Singapore does not have to worry about this for the moment.

‘One market that will have to play close attention to growth of new markets in Asia is Australia, which currently sees a large number of tourists from the likes of Taiwan, Korea, China, and India visit its casinos,’ says Warwick Bartlett, GBGC chief executive.

But he added: ‘The real test is whether these new properties will satisfy demand that is currently not being met, or if they are simply shifting the same gamblers and their money around different venues.’

Source: Business Times, 24 Apr 2010

Universal Studios’ 18 attractions include the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster, several movie-themed thrill rides, and shows like Waterworld, which is based on the movie of the same title.

Most of the visitors in the early morning crowd of about 200 yesterday were Singaporeans with children in tow.

Lawyer Zee Liew, 39, who was with his wife and two sons aged eight and six, said the family had checked into the resort’s Festive Hotel on Wednesday for a school holiday ’staycation’.

His elder son, Wei Jin, gave the theme park a big thumbs-up and said the Jurassic Park ride was his favourite.

For newlyweds Raymond Ling and Liew Soo Eng, the star attraction was the Battlestar Galactica.

Mr Ling, 27, a sales manager, and Ms Liew, 23, a teacher, made a beeline for the ride and loved it.

Mr Ling said: ‘The goal was to come here first and experience the most terrifying rides. We’ll definitely be taking it as many times as we can.’

The 20ha park, Universal Studios’ fourth after those in Orlando, Hollywood and Osaka, completes RWS’ first phase line-up of the casino, four hotels and a retail and dining strip.

Still to come are a maritime museum, two more hotels, a marine life park, water theme park and luxury spa. No timeframe has been given for them.

No major glitches were reported yesterday, in contrast to the casino’s opening on Feb 14, when there were complaints of overcrowding, lack of sanitation facilities and long entry queues, among other things.

Park-goers yesterday said there were fewer people than expected, and that they did not have to stand in line for long.

This could have been due to the limited number of tickets sold.

RWS spokesman Robin Goh declined to say how many tickets were sold, but said that they numbered ‘in the thousands’.

He said limits were placed to avoid ‘over-stressing the system’.

Genting Group chairman Lim Kok Thay told reporters yesterday that RWS’ performance so far has ‘exceeded our own expectations’.

Both RWS and the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort – which will begin its phased opening on April 27 – are expected to boost visitor arrivals to Singapore.

In addition, they are expected to create about 60,000 jobs for Singaporeans and add $5.4 billion to the economy by 2015.

Judging by the reaction from tourists, the theme park is working its magic.

Australian Kirsteen Knevitt declared that Universal Studios Singapore is better than the theme parks back home.

She said: ‘Everything is beautiful, and the rides are really, really good.’

Indonesian businessman Edwin Purwohandianto, 44, said: ‘This is one of the more spectacular places in Singapore. I think many people from Asian countries will want to come.

‘Before this, the only attraction was Orchard Road.’

Source: Straits Times, 19 Mar 2010

DINOSAURS, green ogres and a talking donkey are getting set for March 18, when Singapore’s Universal Studios theme park throws open its doors to the public at 8.28am.

Tickets for the park’s debut will go on sale from next Wednesday, starting at 9am.

Although all 19 attractions and shows – including the world’s tallest duelling roller coaster and rides inspired by the Jurassic Park and Shrek movies – will be up and running, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) said it may stop and close certain attractions at any time to make adjustments during the initial opening phase.

To make up for such inconveniences, RWS will give visitors $15 in retail and food and beverage vouchers.

It is unclear how long this preview phase will last, but resort spokesman Robin Goh said the park will take as long as required to fine-tune the attractions to its satisfaction.

Such previews are not uncommon. In 1999, Universal Studios Florida held a two-month soft opening to give management time to work out teething problems as park-goers tried out the rides.

The Singapore park, the second Universal Studios in Asia after Japan, is prepared to handle the crowds.

RWS is limiting the number of tickets on sale for this period to prevent a repeat of the problems that ensued when the casino opened during Chinese New Year.

At the time, visitors complained about such things as the limited number of toilets, lack of 24-hour dining facilities and confusion over suitable attire for the gaming floor.

Mr Goh said: ‘Unlike the casino opening where there was no way of pre-empting the number of visitors, for Universal Studios Singapore, we will know exactly how many visitors to expect for the day from our ticket sales.’

RWS would not say exactly how many tickets will be on sale.

The long-awaited announcement made yesterday concluded RWS’ Phase One launch, which kicked off with four hotels opening on Jan 20, the retail strip on Jan 31 and casino on Feb 14.

Another two hotels with 500 rooms, an oceanarium, a maritime experiential museum, and a water theme park and spa will open in Phase Two.

Mr Goh said work has commenced but there is no date yet for this opening.

RWS is one of two casino-resorts awarded in 2006.

Its competitor, Marina Bay Sands, announced last week that it will open its first phase on April 27, followed by a grand opening on June 23.

With the theme park’s opening given the green light, travel agents can now begin selling travel packages.

CTC Holidays spokesman Alicia Seah said: ‘This is the date we have all been waiting for.’

Now that the date is out, all travel agents need to do is to follow up on the hundreds of enquiries made and confirm bookings.

City DMC general manager Wendy Leong said she has many customers who are putting off their visit to Singapore until they know the theme park’s opening date.

Tickets for the theme park have to be purchased in advance – either online, through phone bookings or from the Universal Studios box office on Sentosa.

Prices start from $66 for a one-day weekday pass for an adult. The same pass for a child aged 12 and below will cost $48.

Source: Straits Times, 6 Mar 2010

But the park’s first guests will be staff of RWS, who will be able to enjoy the rides from March 13 with their families.

Universal Studios Singapore will bring to life the best movie-themed attractions packed within seven zones.

RWS said it is possible that certain attractions may become temporarily unavailable during the preview phase, as Universal Studios Singapore continues its technical and creative adjustments.

Ticket prices will then be partially rebated with S$15 worth of shopping and dining vouchers valid for use at the theme park.

Robin Goh, assistant director for Communication at RWS, said that during the soft opening period, there will be limits on the number of guests.

“This is to ensure there will be a phased run in of the operations within the opening of the park gradually, and this number will be increased in time. When we are fully operational, we are expecting 4.5 million visitors to Universal Studios alone a year,” Mr Goh said.

Ticket sales will begin at 9am on March 10. They can be made online, via phone bookings and at the ticket booths at the theme park.

Singaporeans and Permanent Residents holding onto DBS credit cards can expect S$6 off regular ticket prices.

Source: Channel News Asia, 5 Mar 2010

Like its counterpart on Sentosa, MBS will open in phases, with the casino, some hotel rooms, restaurants, part of the shopping mall and convention centre opening first.

Unlike Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), however, MBS has detailed when its various attractions will open.

In a statement yesterday, the resort said its first major event, a meeting of lawyers worldwide for the Inter-Pacific Bar Association’s 20th annual conference, will be held on May 2 to 5, just days after it opens.

It added that a grand opening ceremony has been planned for June 23, when the Skypark and several other attractions will begin to accept visitors.

Other areas of the resort, such as its theatres and museums, will throw open their doors progressively till the end of the year.

However, MBS added a caveat to its statement: The timeline could change if there are construction delays, for example. Getting regulatory approval is another factor, it added.

Casino Regulatory Authority spokesman Vivian Heng said it received MBS’ casino licence application in November last year, and the clearing process is under way.

Yesterday’s announcement comes after three years of work, including several delays. MBS was originally slated to open last December, but construction woes – the resort said it suffered a shortage of sand and other materials – led to the opening date being pushed back twice.

At one stage, there were even questions about whether MBS’ parent company, Las Vegas Sands (LVS), could complete the US$5.5 billion (S$7.7 billion) project, given the battering it took during the global financial crisis.

At its low point, there were fears that the company could go belly-up because of its debts. Several analysts questioned then whether LVS was using the delays to paper over its financial woes.

But Mr Sheldon Adelson, chairman and chief executive officer of LVS, stressed several times that MBS was ‘probably the company’s most important project’.

Yesterday, Mr Adelson said: ‘Despite the challenging, and at times unprecedented economic conditions companies like ours recently faced, our dedication to completing this development never wavered, not even for a second.’

Analysts and industry experts contacted yesterday welcomed the announcement of an opening date, saying MBS would add a different dimension to Singapore.

They agreed that while the two integrated resorts (IRs) will help Singapore become more attractive to tourists, give a boost to the economy and create a wealth of jobs, MBS will add extra wattage to the cityscape by injecting a dose of glitz, glamour and culture.

Singapore hopes to attract 17 million visitors, who will spend $30 billion, to the country by 2015. The two IRs are also expected to add some $5.4 billion to the economy yearly, and create at least 20,000 jobs.

CIMB-GK regional economist Song Seng Wun said that while RWS will draw leisure travellers and families – an important segment of the tourism market, no doubt – the Marina Bay IR will pull in movers and shakers with fatter wallets and influence worldwide.

MBS will also add to Singapore’s nightlife and cultural scene too, with such world-class shows as The Lion King, said National Association of Travel Agents Singapore chief executive Robert Khoo.

But analysts were quick to point out that both sides have their own strengths, and will do a good job of appealing to their own market segments.

One group that had an opposite reaction was travel agents, who feel RWS, not Marina Bay, will be the game-changer for them, since their business covers mainly leisure travellers.

But convention organisers were rubbing their hands with glee.

Mr Edward Liu, president of the Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers, said MBS’ opening is something that the local meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) industry has been looking forward to with great anticipation.

Its location and the number of attractions under one roof mimic the Las Vegas business model, a proven winner, he said.

He has already booked two mega- events at the IR.

Shares of Genting Singapore, which owns RWS, ended 1.5 cents lower at 94 cents yesterday after the announcement.

LVS shares opened slightly higher in early trading on the New York Stock Exchange, despite a recent trend of pressure on Las Vegas casino operators due to fears of falling room rates and worries over MGM Mirage’s newly opened US$8.5 billion, 6,000-room CityCenter project.

What’s coming up this year
April 27: Phase One opening with 963 hotel rooms, part of shopping mall and convention centre, three of six celebrity-chef restaurants and other dining outlets and the casino
May 2 to 5: Hosting of its first event, the Inter-Pacific Bar Association 20th Annual Conference
June 23: Phase Two opening with the sky garden – Sands SkyPark – its event plaza in front of Marina Bay, the rest of the retail mall, more dining outlets and nightlife offerings. Grand opening celebration is also scheduled.
October: Disney’s The Lion King to open at one of its two theatres
Later in the year: Second theatre to host a variety of special events; headline acts to open
December: Marina Bay Sands museum to open

Source: Straits Times, 25 Feb 2010

But some are wondering if the focus on roulette tables and roller coaster rides will cause the mainland’s central shopping belt along Orchard Road to lose its glitter.

Singapore’s first casino and Universal Studios theme park opened over the weekend creating a buzz, not just here, but in the region as well.

With Singaporeans and tourists expected to throng the attractions – the question is – what will happen to the country’s premier shopping belt, Orchard Road?

For one, hotels there said they are not perturbed by the competition.

Katherine Wong, GM, Mandarin Orchard Singapore, said: “It is an anticipated competition where it’s the IR or new hotels coming into the market. We monitored our occupancy very closely. It could be a friendly threat for all, but I do not see any significant ups and downs.”

Hotels said it’s unlikely Orchard Road will be overshadowed by developments in Sentosa, a point echoed by retailers.

Jimmy Fong, CEO, AFOR – EpiCentre, said: “Resorts World Sentosa will bring in more crowds because more tourists will be in Singapore. Not everyone will head to the casino, where it’s more entertainment. Our place here is more for shopping.”

And Orchard Road, after the recent revamp at its many shopping malls, is still pulling in the crowds.

In fact, 313@Somerset saw some 80,000 shoppers during the Lunar New Year holidays with retailers saying business doubled.

The mall is also linking up with Orchard Central in two to three years’ time, all part of plans to enhance the shopping experience.

While the situation for now seems okay for Orchard Road hotels and businesses, it remains to be seen how it’ll be like when the second integrated resort opens in Singapore.

Ruprecht Schmitz, general manager, Orchard Hotel Singapore, said: “If you go to the resort in Sentosa, you may not want to stay only in Sentosa and if you go to Marina Bay, may not only want to stay in Marina Bay. There are many other things to do in Singapore and you may also have clients who want to go to these resorts but don’t want to stay there.”

Orchard Hotel said the influx of tourists to Singapore as a result of the integrated resorts should boost their weekend occupancy as well.

Source: Channel News Asia, 17 Feb 2010

A day of festivities at the Integrated Resort has been planned to mark the red-letter day, including the debut of its public attraction, Lake of Dreams, and evening previews at its Universal Studios theme park.

The casino opening is part of the initial phased opening of Singapore’s first IR that began on 20 Jan 2010 with the opening of its four hotels: Crockfords Tower; Hotel Michael; Festive Hotel; and Hard Rock Hotel Singapore. Its shopping and dining promenade, FestiveWalk, soft-opened on 30 Jan.

Resorts World Sentosa chairman, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said: ‘In less than three years since the time we broke ground and commenced construction for Resorts World Sentosa, we have taken our vision from drawing board to reality. This is a significant milestone in Singapore’s business history. We promised to deliver a true Integrated Resort, and we have not deviated from that.’

For sneak peek week, Universal Studios Singapore will open from 5pm to 9pm every night from 14 Feb to 21 Feb.

Admission will be by $10 tickets, rebated by a same-value dining voucher. Sale of the tickets starts from 11.18am on Friday, 12 Feb 2010. Guests can visit the box office at the Universal Studios Singapore front gate to purchase tickets for another day (there will be no same day ticket sales available).

Source: Straits Times, 11 Feb 2010

Although the opening date of the casino at Resort World has not been announced, preparations are in full swing.

Resorts World Sentosa chairman Lim Kok Thay said: “We are very happy to have received the casino licence. This was made possible by the dedicated team, consultants, contractors and government officials, especially the Casino Regulatory Authority, which worked tirelessly to set up the regulatory framework within a very agressive timeline.”

Lunar New Year decorations have already been put up at the lobby of the casino.

Resorts World staff were in the midst of an orientation when the MediaCorp news team visited.

Although the doors remain shut, visitors are excited about the prospect the casino may be opening soon.

Some are hoping the casino will be open in time for the Lunar New Year which begins on February 14.

While foreigners do not have to pay the US$100 levy before entering the casino, locals will have to do so at this booth.

Before arriving at the booth, visitors to the casino will be segregated according to whether they are Singaporeans or overseas guests.

The S$6.6 billion integrated resort at Sentosa is opening in phases, starting with its hotels last month.

Many are also waiting for the theme park, Universal Studios Singapore to open.

Some of the staff at the resort have been busy testing out the amusement rides and more.

Andrea Teo, vice president, Entertainment, Resorts World Sentosa, said: “We are in full swing, getting ready for the theme park. We have been testing and commissioning the rides. Some of our people have been experiencing this – going from ride to ride to ride and having a very good time. And we have all been eating at restaurants, trying out the food at very good prices.

“We are at various percentages of finishing the different rides and resorts. But I would say that we are on an actually pretty fast track to completely everything. Our hotel opened on the January 20 and since then, we’ve had 90 per cent occupancy. Festive Hotel and Hard Rock have been fully booked. And for Chinese New Year, we are fully booked.”

And while casino staff are busy gearing up for the opening day, Singapore’s Police have also been started serving the Exclusion Orders to those with a history of crimes such as those related to drugs and illegal moneylending.

So far, about 3,500 people with serious criminal records have been barred from the two casinos when they open.

The latest exclusion orders are on top of what the National Council on Problem Gambling has issued.

Some 28,000 undischarged bankrupts and those on public assistance have also been banned from entering casinos.

Source: Channel News Asia, 6 Feb 2010

A spa firm which had its tenancy rejected after a change of management in the IR has sued it for at least $250,000 – the minimum amount for High Court suits to start. Lawyers for both parties appeared in a closed-door court on Wednesday to discuss the exchange of documents in the run-up to the case.

Spa@Sands claims it was offered two units at the resort’s shopping complex, after which it paid close to $280,000 in upfront rent and stamp fees. It claims that it paid $233,660 for a month’s rent, along with about $45,000 in stamp fees.

According to court documents, its director, Mr Phang Song Hua, 43, was invited to make an offer to lease the premises in July last year. He is the founder of a geomancy and health lifestyle firm, New Trend Lifestyle. He registered Spa@Sands last July.

The rent offered by Mr Phang was priced at $10 per sq ft for the 23,366 sq ft area – about the size of 20 HDB five-room flats. In contrast, the rental at Ion Orchard is at least $30 psf.

Mr Phang claims that when MBS banked in the cheques for these sums, it showed that the IR had accepted the offer. Mr Phang had also signed and returned the lease that was attached to the letter of offer by the July 13 deadline.

Spa@Sands made a presentation to MBS senior management at their request and was told on Aug 12 that its offer had been accepted. At the same time, the two cheques were also cleared.

But a few days later, there was a change in the senior management at the IR. The following month, the spa was told that its offer had been rejected.

It is understood Spa@Sands is seeking damages to recover the manpower and other costs incurred in the preparations to start the spa. It is alternatively asking the court to declare there was a valid agreement between the parties.

MBS argued through lawyer Eugene Thuraisingam from Stamford Law that it had not accepted the offer, or it would have signed its acceptance in the letter of offer and returned it to Spa@Sands.

It pointed to a condition in the offer letter issued that states that unless the tenant’s offer is accepted by the landlord, the landlord had the right to deal with other parties. The sum paid by the spa was also refunded.

But the spa, through Unilegal’s Chan Fook Meng, took issue with the claim, pointing out that while MBS could have shown its acceptance by signing the offer letter after it was signed by the spa, that was not the only way which acceptance could be signified.

It said MBS showed acceptance by banking the cheques, and that there was verbal agreement by its staff. MBS was not limited to signing the offer letter but could vary its mode of acceptance.

Source: Straits Times, 30 Jan 2010