Central government stresses selection process for Japanese IR sites to be fair; offer greatest economic impact to Japan

A briefing that included discussions around integrated resort development was recently held by the Central Government of Japan in Nagoya on 11 January 2019. During the meeting, which included attendance by the Cabinet Office Secretariat, a statement was made that firmly re-instituted the fact that the selection of all prefectural locations who participate in the bid for the development of integrated resorts will be considered and that there is no rule with regards to how the locations will be placed. It was emphasized the fact that the final decisions will be based on the balance of the locations that will ultimately result in advancing Japan’s place as a leader in international tourism.

In the Kansai Region, both Osaka and Wakayama Prefectures have announced their interest as candidates for the coveted licenses for the development of integrated resorts. This emphasis on the balance of placements fairs well for Wakayama, a location that has aggressively worked to promote themselves as a prime candidate for a regional IR development project.

Wakayama has previously stated that the accessibility between themselves and Osaka as well as the unique development plans of each IR would work as a complement. The prefecture has previously stated that “considering the population of the Kansai Region in general as well as the placement of Kansai International Airport, we feel we can create synergy and an even greater economic benefit between the two destinations should integrated resort development be allowed in both Osaka and Wakayama.”

Wakayama completed an RFI process in 2018 which saw seven integrated resort operators showcase their interest in the prefecture.