IRs to double Osaka tourism

The authorities expect 24.8 million visitors to arrive in Osaka once the casino industry goes live in the prefecture.

Japan.- Among candidates to host integrated resorts (IRs) in the archipelago, Osaka is (probably) the favourite location to be picked. The local government is working hard to get everything ready should they win a licence, and have revealed that they expect tourism figures to double if they get to open a venue.

Over 12 million visitors arrived in the prefecture last year, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization, a number that could get dwarfed thanks to IRs. A study commissioned by both prefecture and city governments asserted that entertainment venues could bring in up to 24.8 million visitors alone, in addition to those that travel for a different type of tourism. Should the forecast turn into reality, Osaka expects to deliver up to €6 billion to Japan’s state coffers.

The local authorities have created the Osaka IR Fundamentals Plan (OIRFP) to push for a bid. It foresees a development of up to 148 acres and a total floor space of up to a million square meters. It would cost nearly €8 billion and is expected to include a casino, an international conference center and other business-related facilities.