Singapore Starts On Marina Bay Sands

The awarding of the 5-billion-Singapore-dollar (3.6 billion US dollars) complex to the Las Vegas Sands Corporation last May “has created confidence that we are prepared to change, to take risks, and to reach consensus on a difficult decision,” said Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan.

The Marina Bay Sands is scheduled to open on the city-state’s waterfront in 2009 followed a year later by a second casino resort on the island of Sentosa, awarded to Malaysia’s Genting International last December.

“The two resorts will serve as important engines of our leisure sector, creating spin-offs for the tourism industry and the overall economy,” Mah said.

The Marina Bay Sands is expected to add an additional 2.7 billion Singapore dollars (1.7 billion US dollars) to the city-state’s annual gross domestic product by 2015, create 30,000 jobs by the same year and lift Singapore’s profile as a leading destination for international meetings, Mah said.

The massive complex will strongly complement other major developments nearby, making Marina Bay “a choice destination for cultural, recreational, business and residential activities,” he added.

The government opted to go ahead with the casinos despite a fierce debate among Singaporeans over lifting the longstanding ban amid fear of escalating vice and gambling addiction.

Eager to rid the city-state of its boring image, government leaders see the resorts as part of a drive to inject a “wow factor,” enticing visitors to stay longer and boosting Singapore’s share of the Asian tourism pie.

A 100-Singapore-dollar (65 US dollars) daily charge will be imposed on citizens and permanent residents seeking entry to the casinos.