Resorts World Sentosa expects 13 million visitors

SINGAPORE: Resorts World Sentosa, the Genting Group's latest and largest family destination in Singapore, expects 13 million visitors in its first year of operations.

The resort, spanning over 49ha on Sentosa Island, is built at a cost S$6.45 billion (RM15.6 billion), and is Genting Group's most expensive, most exquisite and ambitious project.

Schduled to open soon, Resorts World Sentosa will be home to Southeast Asia's first and only Universal Studios theme park, six luxury hotels, marine life park and a casino, among others.

The Festive Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Crockfords Tower and Hotel Michael opened to the public on Jan 20.

Visitors to Universal Studios alone is expected at 4.5 million per year, said Resorts World Sentosa Pte Ltd Assistant Director Communications Robin Goh to Malaysian reporters on a familiarisation trip to the resort recently.

The first weekend opening to the public saw the resort commanding more than 90% hotel occupancy, mostly local guests.

Goh said the resort expected more foreign visitors when Universal Studios and the casino opens.

"Preparation work is almost done at Universal Studios and the park's operation team are gearing up for the opening.

"We have not got the casino licence yet and are working closely with the authorities to obtain all necessary licences.

"The date depends on certain factors as safety is our number one priority," said Goh.

As for Malaysian visitors, he said:"The Malaysian market is very important to us. After all, we are a Malaysian group and we want all Malaysians to be part of this [resort].

"We also want Malaysians to come and enjoy all the offerings, including Universal Studios, and be proud because this resort is built by a Malaysian company," he said.

For the convenience of prospective visitors from Malaysia, the resort has tied up with Malaysian travel agents who can facilitate their trip and offer them better rates.

"They [Malaysian travel agents] have different packages to offer which include transport [by air or bus], hotel accomodation and universal studio tickets.

"We also have a Malaysian bus programme which brings people from different  states in Malaysia straight to Resorts World Sentosa," he said. -- Bernama