Marina Bay Sands Singapura Lauching

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore's second integrated resort, which opened officially on Tuesday (27/4/10), will refresh the country's tourism sector. Marina Bay Sands, worth 5.5 billion dollars which was built by owner Sheldon Adelson of Las Vegas Sands was opened at 15:13 pm Singapore time, which, according to China's fengshui, the time associated with welfare.

Marina Bay Sands is the first casino in Asia outside Macau, operated by Las Vegas Sands. Las Vegas Sands Chairman Sheldon Adelson expects its investment in Singapore to return in the next five years, and describe the Marina Bay Sands, as by far the most valuable property.

70 000 Sheldon hopes to 80,000 people will visit this area every day when all facilities are opened.

Singapore gives green light for gambling business in 2005. Marina Bay continue to be built even though Singapore had sunk in the recession of 2008 caused by the global financial crisis.

Singapore's first casino, Resorts World Sentosa worth 4.4 billion U.S. dollars, was built by Genting Group of Malaysia, and opened on February 14 last. Regions Resorts World which is located in Sentosa Island, consisting of Universal Studios, hotels, restaurants and convention facilities.

Marina Bay Sands, originally scheduled to open in late 2009, but has been delayed repeatedly due to a number of factors, including the matter of building materials and labor, and financial problems.

Marina Bay Sands, which opened this Tuesday, including casinos and 963 rooms (of 2650 beds), part shopping mall, several restaurants, exhibition centers and plazas for events. Hotel rooms and suites as well as a number of stores will be opened on June 23, while the museums, theaters, and numerous other shops will start operating a few months later this year as well.

Singaporean officials hope the casino will help Singapore achieve the target 17 million tourists who generate 21 billion dollars in 2015.

"Marina Bay Sands, which operates a second casino in Singapore, which can boost the economy," said economist David Cohen. "This will support the arrival of tourists and retail sectors have benefited, especially in the current global economy started to recover," he said.

CIMB economist Song Seng Wun said the two casinos will add to the depth of the hospitality industry in Singapore.

"Singapore is not the cheapest place to visit, but Singapore offers something different for tourists who come, whether for leisure or for business," said Song told AFP.

Having fallen 2 percent last year, Singapore's economy depends on trade, is projected to grow to 9 percent this year, the government said in a statement. But economists said the addition of the service sector, including tourism, can make Singapore exceeded its target.

Marina Bay Sands, was designed for corporate events and conventions, while Resorts World Sentosa is intended for the family.

Marina Bay Sands casino has 600 gaming tables, and more than 1,500 gaming machines, and more than 30 private room for gambling. This four-story casino, two floors down to the mass games, while two floors above for premium players.

Sheldon said the two integrated resorts will work together to bring more tourists to Singapore. "Our successes (Marina Bay Sands) do not depend on their failure (Sentosa Resorts), and vice versa, their success does not depend on our failures," he said.

Lee Carter (60) who flew from Hawaii, United States, was among dozens of passengers, who want to get the first chance to try the casino. "If lucky, I'll spend more. Otherwise, I'll be home," he told AFP.