Q3:What are some of the expected economic benefits of the Integrated Resort?
Ans:Let us look at some examples of world-class integrated resorts overseas. Similar to these developments, we can expect the Integrated Resort in Singapore to attract more international visitors, increase our tourism receipts and boost our overall tourism industry. For example, in the Bahamas, hotel occupancy rose from below 65% in 1993 to a healthy 80% in 2003 after Kerzner International took over an ailing casino resort on the brink of bankruptcy and transformed it into Atlantis Resort. Atlantis was instrumental in turning the Bahamian tourism industry around. Kerzner also became the largest non-government employer, providing 8% of employment in the Bahamas. Las Vegas receives 35 million visitors a year. Reports indicate that 5.7mil of them are convention delegates, which is a lucrative market. It is the largest convention city in the US. 80% of visitors to Las Vegas were repeat visitors (Source: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority). 65% of Bellagio's (one of the integrated resorts in Las Vegas) revenues are from non-gaming components (e.g. retail, dining, entertainment). These figures speak for themselves. The casino not only generates revenue, but also generates a buzz that brings more people to shops, restaurants, convention venues, entertainment venues and other attractions.

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