The northern Japanese village of Rusutsu, in conjunction with Hokkaido-based tourism and hospitality company Kamori Kanko Co. Ltd., yesterday released their plan for an Integrated Resort in response to the Japanese Cabinet’s IR Explanation Meeting.
The initial IR concept plans for over 665,000 square feet of leisure and entertainment areas and 1,300 hotel rooms, along with spas, restaurants, bars and lounges, retail spaces, 75,000 square feet of convention and exhibition space, and approximately 20,000 square feet of gaming space.
“Visitors come to Hokkaido for nature, skiing, cuisine, (and) culture,” Kamori said in a statement. “A Hokkaido IR needs (to provide) strong winter activities and a unique experience for guests.”
The proposed IR complex will focus on bringing in both domestic and international visitors, with an eye toward maximizing the resort’s economic impact while minimizing any social impact to the Rusutsu community.
“An Integrated Resort at Rusutsu will allow for the development of core community-based support infrastructure,” said Hisatake Kamori, President of Kamori Kanko. “Casino gaming is only a small component in the scheme… our vision includes healthcare facilities, schools, commercial and retail precincts, multi-family homes, and other tourism and entertainment venues, all (presented) in an environmentally friendly manner.”
The plan aims to create a hub in Central Hokkaido in order to encourage population growth. The hub will link two of the island’s largest subprefectures, Sapporo and Hakodate.
Rusutsu is located near the center of the most diverse tourism cluster in Shiribeshi prefecture and the most populous region of Hokkaido. Natural assets and cultural experiences combine to create a unique offering for millions of domestic and international visitors annually.
Kamori Kanko has owned and operated the world-renowned Resort Hotel and Convention Centre for over 35 years. The property is the largest all-season resort in Hokkaido, with more than 1.5 million visitors per year.
Working in consultation with international gaming and leisure advisor The Innovation Group, Kamori Kanki forecasts total gross gaming and nongaming revenue to reach well over US$1 billion annually. Domestic and international tourist arrivals are expected to grow substantially, and tens of thousands of new full-time jobs are projected to be created during the construction phase and throughout the IR’s operation.
