Integrated Resort and Casino Tourism

Abstract

As tourism destinations jostle for competitive advantage, this has seen the introduction and in some cases the expansion of integrated resorts (IRs) into the location. Requiring massive investment commitments, IRs will become iconic architecturally themed tourist attractions offering a combination of multiple casino and non-gaming services all under one roof. The presence of convention space, theatres, retail malls, arenas, galleries, theme parks, restaurants, hotel, spa facilities, and casino venues ensure that numerous visitor demographic segments can be targeted. Shows, events, and entertainment will be a constant fixture as part of the overall marketing and experience mix. Co-branding with leading hospitality and gaming products provides additional brand presence and appeal for the IR complex. For governments, IRs can provide substantial financial benefits particularly from casino taxation and other levies applied within the IR, including significant employment across various sectors. The IR or IR cluster has also been shown to rejuvenate and grow international tourist arrivals. However, the presence of casinos within the IR and the controversy and often emotionally charged debate on gambling prohibition and possible social costs means that any introduction, IR policy, and RFPs (request for proposals) for IRs are subject to lengthy debate. As this chapter discusses, appropriate legislation and KPIs (key performance indicators) by government agencies are a crucial link to IR success, to monitor and guide IR development. Such regulatory and policy frameworks although must be balanced with the fact that given the huge capital investments required, the location must be an attractive return on investment proposition for IR operators and investors. This chapter examines the use of IRs globally as a stimulus for economic and tourism development, highlighting locations such as Las Vegas, Macao, Singapore, and the Philippines as well as destinations going through the process of IR introduction, most notably Japan.