More than 470 million visitors to the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore since it opened in 2010. A hotel that is often fully booked despite its 2 561 rooms and suites. As well as its conference capabilities with more than 1,750 MICE events organised over the last 15 years. The success of the Marina Bay SandsWith its emblematic swimming pool crowning the complex's three towers on the 57th floor, the success of this resort, built with one of Singapore's only two casinos, has been proven beyond doubt. Such is its success that the saturation of this resort, built with one of Singapore's only two casinos, has become obvious. So the Marina Bay Sands expansion project should ease the constraints on the hotel, according to George Tanasijevich, CEO of Marina Bay Sands.
With the continued support of the Singapore government, this development will further enhance Singapore's attractiveness for leisure and business tourism.
Patrick Dumont, CEO of Las Vegas Sands
Marina Bay Sands, "victim" of its own success
" Annual occupancy rates for our hotels vary between 94 and 99 %. Our showrooms have been running at full capacity for years. Our ballroom, on the other hand, cannot keep up with current demand. With a capacity of 5,000, we are limited in the number of events we can organise. "he explains.
After several redesigns, Marina Bay Sands presented its latest version last year. Designed by Safdie Architects, the expansion will include a luxury hotel tower with a roof terrace. it will house 1,000 suites. An essential element will be a 15,000-seat auditoriumThis is complemented by other luxury MICE facilities. The total surface area will be 11,000 m². The future complex will also include restaurants and 2,000 m² of games rooms. The investment is estimated at 9 billiondouble the amount initially planned.
" With the continued support of the Singapore government, this development will further enhance Singapore's attractiveness for leisure and business tourism. It optimises the site's programming elements. And is designed to stimulate the growth of value-added tourism in Singapore "says Patrick Dumont, CEO the parent company of Marina Bay Sands, Las Vegas Sands.
" The hotel tower, made up of suites, will establish de new standards in hospitalityThis ultra-modern arena will help to attract the greatest international artists and the most prestigious events. Last but not least, the additional exhibition space will reinforce Singapore's success as a leading MICE destination" he adds. Scheduled to open in 2031.
Facing up to competition from the rest of South-East Asia
Marina Bay Sands is not alone in stepping up its investments. Singapore's other integrated resort, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) launched expansion works last November. The works include a seafront promenade, a 23,000 m² shopping centre with restaurants, attractions and shops. As well as two 700-room luxury hotels. This represents an investment of almost 5 billion dollars.
These ambitious developments should also enable Singapore to withstand ever-increasing competition in Asia. The Thai government, for example, has just approved the construction of several integrated resorts with casino. These casinos - two licences in Bangkok and one each in Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Phuket - are due to open around 2030. According to Citigroup, they should generate $9.1 billion by 2031. This would surpass the $8.3 billion in revenue generated by Singapore's casinos.
While in Philippinesthe other major destination in South-East Asia for the games, the government has given the go-ahead for the event. green light for two new integrated resorts with casino. This includes Manila and Cebu with an investment volume of 6 billion dollars over the next 5 years. While the Vietnam also wants to transform thePhu Quoc island in the south of the country into a paradise for gambling enthusiasts. The first casino is already up and running on a 'trial' basis...
