Yokohama to run a second RFC process for IR

The city will conduct another request-for-concept process for its integrated resort bid following the publication of Japan’s basic policy.

Japan.- The Japan Tourism Agency has finally published its basic policy for the development of integrated resorts in the country, and now the cities and prefectures that want to bid to host the resorts must adjust their proposals to the framework.

With the period for proposals delayed by nine months due to the pandemic crisis, Yokohama city is planning to conduct a fresh request-for-concept process in order to give its potential private partners the opportunity to add proposals for Covid-19 countermeasures and compliance – something that is required by the Basic Policy.

Yokohama’s proposed site for an integrated resort is at Yamashita Pier.

The seven candidate operators that submitted RFC documents in the first RFP were Shotoku Corporation, which is working with Rinaldo Corp and Current Corp – the latter is also bidding to develop an IR in Nagasaki with Hong Kong’s Get Nice Holdings –, Galaxy Entertainment Group, Genting Singapore, Las Vegas Sands, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Sega Sammy Holdings and Wynn Resorts.

Las Vegas Sands and Wynn have since backed out of the race and are not expected to submit proposals this time round.