No fixed dates for opening of theme park, casino at
Resorts World Sentosa
By Hoe Yee Nie, Channel NewsAsia |
Posted: 20 January 2010 1454 hrs
SINGAPORE: The chairman of Resorts World Singapore has
refuted media reports which quoted him as saying on Tuesday that
the Universal Studios theme park would be opened by the end of next
week.
He also said authorities have yet to approve the
casino licence.
Even so, Singapore's first integrated resort saw thousands of
visitors on Wednesday at the opening of its four hotels.
The ribbon was cut at precisely 8.18 in the morning. Eight is seen
as an auspicious number because it sounds like the Chinese word
which means prosperity.
The four hotels at Resorts World Singapore may have finally opened
to the public but Resorts World said no opening date has yet been
set for the Universal Studios theme park despite some media
reports.
Lim Kok Thay, chairman, Genting & Resorts World Singapore,
said: “In terms of recalling what was said, I think perhaps there
was a bit of a misunderstanding there. What I was trying to say was
that after the opening of Crockfords Tower, the rest of the
facilities would follow suit from next week onwards. Obviously that
would include the Festive Walk, the Universal Studios theme park as
well as the casino component."
For now, the hotels were enough for visitors.
Two of the hotels Festive Hotel and the Hard Rock Hotel have been
operating since January 5 as part of a trial to iron out any
kinks.
Andrew Hickey, vice president, Rooms, Resorts World Sentosa, said:
"They've been very minor to be honest, it's surprised us all. Buggy
transfers for example, because people in Singapore don't like
walking too much. So we need a few more buggies perhaps to guide
people around the resort.
"We've had some very interesting learning experiences. For example,
positioning of mineral water was one that comes to mind. Whether we
put it, chill it in the minibar, or leave it outside, in ambient
temperature. That's been a very interesting debate amongst the
team."
With 10 restaurants and a list of brands that are well-known in the
luxury retail market, Resorts World promises something for
everyone.
The resort expects 13 million visitors a year when fully opened. -
CNA/vm
