Resort Hotels and Casino opens doors at Sentosa

Singapore's first integrated resort, Resorts World Sentosa, has started its phased opening with the launch of the first of its two casinos and four of its planned hotels.

Making their debut this week has been the Festive Hotel (mainly for families), Hard Rock Hotel Singapore (with 26 meeting rooms and one of Asia's largest ballrooms, seating 7,300 guests), Crockfords Tower (with mansions, suites and villas) and Hotel Michael (offering an art experience with 1,350 rooms and 10 restaurants).

The Equarius Hotel and Spa Villas will add another 500 rooms when they come on line next year.

Meanwhile the first dice have been rolled at Singapore's first casino which, along with the Marina Bay Sands (which is due to open in May), is expected to benefit from Singapore's hard-earned corruption-free reputation.

Part of a multi-billion dollar plan to transform Singapore into a leisure and tourism destination and reduce the economy's reliance on manufacturing, Resorts World Sentosa is built by Malaysia's Genting Bhd at a cost of S$6.6 billion.

The development is part of Singapore trying to broaden its tourism appeal, part of a gradual shift toward a services-based economy and away from labor-intensive manufacturing that its poorer Asian neighbors can do more cheaply.

Explaining the development, Chairman of Resorts World Sentosa and the Genting Group, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay states "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 Singaporeâs business history.

"We promised to deliver a true Integrated Resort, and we have not deviated from that."

Resorts World Sentosa Chief Executive Tan Hee Teck added "we know a lot of Singaporeans are looking forward to the opening of both our major elements, the casino and Universal Studios Singapore.

"We are ready to soft-open the casino but are still fine-tuning the rides and shows in the theme park, which are still on schedule to open in the first quarter of 2010. However, since its Chinese New Year, we decided to offer Singaporeans a week long preview of Universal Studios Singapore with a special and unique first-to-see walk-through opportunity.

"The theme parkâs unique restaurants and shopping venues will be open for guests, although rides and shows will not be operational. However, we are confident that the park's design, vistas and photo opportunities will truly excite and impress guests and motivate them for return visits when fully operational."

Universal Parks & Resorts Chief Executive Tom Williams concluded "we celebrate the (Chinese) New Year with the people of Singapore and are thrilled to provide a sneak peek of Universal Studios Singapore during this festive holiday period.

"It's an exciting time for all of us and a great opportunity to share a glimpse of the action, thrills and adventure that Universal will bring to the region."

Universal Studios Singapore expects to welcome its first public guests in early March.

23rd December 2009 - UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE COMING TO LIFE

10th July 2009 - RESORTS WORLD AT SENTOSA ON TRACK FOR 2010 OPENING