Tomakomai expects €2.4 billion IR investment

Projections by the Tomakomai municipal authorities expect an IR investment of €1.6-2.4 billion.

Japan.- Integrated resorts (IR) in Japan could be approved by the Diet over the next few months, and Tomakomai authorities are eagerly waiting for it. The municipal authorities have revealed their interim report results for their IR project and expect an investment between €1.6-2.4 billion by the time the development’s doors open.

The estimated amount was reached using calculations and feedback received from IR operators following a request for information last year. The report also revealed that the IR will pull in 6-11 million visitors per year and produce total annual sales in the €976 million-€1.2 billion range.

The interim report has also disclosed that the forested Uenae area, close to the New Chitose Airport, has been selected as the candidate site, based on the feedback from operators. Furthermore, according to city authorities, the IR will create between 5,000-10,000 new jobs in the municipal area, which would mean a boost of over 10 per cent to the current employment rate in the area.

In addition, transportation infrastructure will also be developed should the IR get the green light, as an electric shuttle bus service will operate between the airport and the venue. Besise, a new highway or access road from the East Tomakomai Interchange could also be developed.