Govt invites interested investors for casino development

The Government of Fiji is now inviting expressions of interest for the development and operation of its first casino.

Minister for Tourism and Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the government is looking at this development as a means of attracting more visitors and also increasing length of visitor stay particularly from new emerging markets of China, Europe, and India as well as building upon the USA market which has a lot of potential.

The expressions of interest have been called for from internationally successful full-casino developers and operators that are reputable and would enhance Fiji's brand.

Sayed-Khaiyum said the obvious economic benefits from such development will be job creation as well as additional revenue for the government.

He stressed the government will ensure that the casino development does not erode the strengths of Fiji's tourism brand as the casino operations means Fiji is developing leisure activities for the tourism industry.

He added that there will be laws put in place to protect the people of Fiji and minimize any possible negative social impact as a result of casino operations in the country.

The invitations for expressions of interest have already been advertised in "The Economist" and will also be soon advertised internationally in other magazines as well as specific representations being made to particular casino operators and developers.

An advertisement for expressions of interest will also be placed locally.

 
Story by: Paradise Tabucala