Hokkaido IR could generate up to JPY550bn annually, report estimates
The report estimates that a Hokkaido IR could support between 19,000 and 56,000 jobs
Japan.- Hokkaido could see as much as JPY550bn (US$3.53bn) in annual economic activity from a potential integrated resort, according to a private-sector estimate reported by Yomiuri Shimbun, one of Japan’s major newspapers.
The assessment made in June puts the potential annual economic effect at between JPY190bn (US$1.22bn) and JPY550bn (US$3.53bn), depending on visitor numbers. The higher scenario assumes the resort would attract 8.2 million visitors a year, while the lower case is based on 5.6 million.
Resort sales under the two scenarios were estimated at between JPY140bn (US$899m) and JPY410bn (US$2.63bn) annually. The estimate estimates that a resort could support between 19,000 and 56,000 jobs. It’s estimated that development investment could generate JPY1.54tn (US$9.89bn) in economic effects and about 93,000 jobs during the construction period.
The figures were prepared by an unidentified private-sector company and was not part of the prefecture’s analysis of a possible IR bid. Hokkaido has yet to decide whether to pursue a bid in Japan’s next IR application window in 2027, but it has been sounding out private-sector interest in developing an IR. The prefecture’s recent market consultation received responses from three overseas IR operators and 13 domestic companies.
Hokkaido is also reviewing its IR policy, including potential changes to facility requirements and measures covering gambling addiction, money laundering and crime.
