Integrated resort planned for Vladivostok

A Russian company is planning to develop a major new integrated casino resort in the far eastern city of Vladivostok.

OJSC Nash Dom Primorye, which is owned by the local Primorsky Territory government, is requesting expressions of interest from global investors to develop its Integrated Entertainment Zone (IEZ), in an effort to boost tourist traffic and revenue from Asian visitors.

The IEZ, located approximately 20km from the new Vladivostok International Airport, is one of four designated zones in Russia that will allow legalised casino gaming. It is also the only such zone with direct access to Asia, with Vladivostok only two hours’ flight time from Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo.

Vladivostok

“While casino gaming is legal in the zone, we are looking for concepts that focus on tourism development. Every effort is being made to ensure that global investors are confident in the business environment of Primorye. We look forward to receiving… responses that capitalise upon Vladivostok’s strong linkages with Asia,” said Marina Lomakina, General Director of Nash Dom Primorye.  

The development is aligned with the Russian government’s aim of boosting international tourism and economic development in the Far East region. It will hope to replicate the success of Macau and Singapore’s twin integrated resorts, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, as well as competing with Vietnam’s new integrated resorts for the lucrative Asian gaming market. Vladivostok is closer to Beijing than the Chinese capital is to Macau.

“We believe the IEZ will create a compelling experience for Asian tourists seeking a destination that is near, but culturally different. We also believe that investors will be interested in the tourism and casino gaming potential of the IEZ,” added Ms Lomakina.

By Mark Elliott, 15 July 2012, Sunday 2:17 AM