Yokohama starts RFP to select partner for IR bid
The city of Yokohama has begun the process to select a private partner for its integrated resort project.
Japan.- The city of Yokohama has launched a request for proposals in order to select a private partner for its bid to receive one of Japan’s three new integrated resorts licences.
The application period for participation runs from Friday February 5 until Monday May 17. That will be followed by a period for documents to be examined between Tuesday June 1 and Friday June 11.
Once an operator has been selected, a development plan will be formulated. There will then be a period of public hearings, which is expected to be held in fall and winter.
The city council aims to make a decision on its partner for developing the integrated resort and casino complex by March 22, 2022.
The final step in the process will be the application to central government, which is scheduled for April 2022.
Yokohama’s RFP schedule is notably different from other candidate locations in the length of time it has set aside for deliberations on which operator to partner with – almost four months up until May 17.
The city said in a statement: “Along with conveying the attractions of tourism in Japan to the world, Yokohama will become a gateway to Japan for inbound visitors from across the world, as we will be their landing point for attractive tourist locations across Japan.
“Through this project, we will contribute to Japan’s growth strategy, which aims to bring in 60 million foreign visitors and JPY 1.5 trillion (US$14.5bn) in foreigner consumption in 2030, contributing to Japan’s sustainable growth.”
Seven companies participated in the original request for concept (RFC) in 2019, when the city first called for bidders. They were: Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, Galaxy Entertainment Japan, Genting Singapore Limited, Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited, Sega Sammy Holdings and Shotoku.
LVS withdrew its interest last May citing Japan’s proposed restrictive regulations.
Wynn closed its Yokohama office to focus on its US and Macau operations amid the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
