Genting plans Universal theme park for Singapore IR bid
(source: CNA July 27, 2006)
Genting plans Universal theme park for Singapore IR bid
SINGAPORE : Malaysia’s Genting International will build a Universal Studios theme park if it wins the bid for Singapore’s second integrated resort, the company said on Thursday.
Genting and Star Cruises, both part of the Malaysia’s Genting Group, have tied-up with Universal Parks and Resorts of the United States to bid for the project on Singapore’s Sentosa island.
The proposed theme park will offer a wide range of thrill rides and entertainment attractions to “entice visitors to stay for more than one day”, Genting said.
Universal Studios theme parks already operate in Japan and the United States where it offers attractions including “Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride” and “Terminator 2:3D.”
“Singapore’s status as an aviation hub, its political stability, cosmopolitan society and love for Hollywood movies make it a prime location for a theme park in the region,” Genting said.
The project would be larger than the Universal theme park in Hollywood, it said.
“Together, Genting International, Star Cruises and Universal have excellent track records in the hospitality, gaming, leisure and theme park entertainment industries,” said Tom Williams, chairman and chief executive of Universal Parks and Resorts.
“We believe in each other’s strengths and what they can collectively offer to Singapore.
“This is a formidable and game-changing partnership, one that will be highly beneficial to Singapore’s tourism industry.”
Four other firms have expressed initial interest in the Sentosa development – Bahamas-based Kerzner International, South African’s Sun International, privately held Las Vegas casino developer Eighth Wonder, and US gaming giant Harrah’s Entertainment.
Sentosa is already home to luxury residential development and an entertainment complex.
The tourism board said the Sentosa casino complex will occupy 49 hectares (121 acres) to provide about 343,000 square metres (3.69 million square feet) of gross floor area.
In May, the Republic awarded Las Vegas Sands a licence to build an integrated resort in the waterfront Marina Bay area, with the opening due in 2009. – AFP/ch
Date Posted: 27-Jul-2006
