Singapore chooses Sands to operate US$3bn resort

Sands' bid, estimated to be worth around US$3billion, was chosen by the Singapore government after a fierce bidding process. The resort is due to open in 2009. The Marina Bay Sands will offer 89,000 sqm of exhibition and meeting room space, and a 9,200 sqm column-free Grand Ballroom that can hold 8,000 people, making it one of the largest in Asia. Aloysius Arlando, Assistant Chief Executive (Business Travel & MICE Group), said: "With the Marina Bay Sands and other future CEI developments, we can look forward to a combined meeting space of 200,000 sqm supported by an inventory of 10,000 hotel rooms and dynamic events, entertainment, retail and food and beverage offerings, all within walking distance and set in the visually stunning Marina Bay." The Las Vegas Sands group is one of the largest gaming and convention groups in the world. It is also involved in the multibillion dollar Cotai Strip development in Macau. Las Vegas Sands president and chief operating officer William Weidner said: "Our unparalleled credentials and longstanding relationships with leading meeting and convention organisers empower us with the ability to produce a steady and predictable flow of visitors to Singapore." Arlando stressed the STB would be working in tandem with its private partners to boost the new complex and the destination as a whole through vigorous promotions. He said: "The Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau (SECB), a group of the STB, will work closely with the management of Las Vegas Sands to attract CEI events to Singapore. "This is in line with SECB's target to attract and create more business events to be held in Singapore. Our aim is to rally the Singapore CEI industry, not only to capitalise on the facilities and services offered by Marina Bay Sands but also other venues, so as to bring more CEI events to Singapore." A second bidding process is under way for a new resort complex to be located on Sentosa Island.