Marina IR seeks more land to expand

Marina IR seeks more land to expand

Las Vegas Sands, the operator of Marina Bay Sands integrated resort, has sought more land from the Government to expand its operations here as demand is rapidly catching up with supply, said Mr Sheldon Adelson, its chairman and chief executive.

"The demand that this property has created for Mice is rapidly taking us to the point where we'll even have to ration space," he said, adding that it could happen within 12 to 18 months.

Mice refers to meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. The IR's Sands Expo and Convention Centre has 1.3 million sq ft of space for such use.

"We need all the land we can get. We are burdened by our success," he added.

Mr Michael Leven, president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands, said that the Gardens by the Bay nearby could have space for an "additional hospitality product".

He added that the company is looking into developing plots of land near the IR.

Both men spoke to the local and foreign media at a press conference yesterday to mark the grand opening of the IR, which also marked the official opening of its ArtScience Museum.

The United States-based Las Vegas Sands also announced that its US$6-billion (S$7.6-billion) property has drawn 11 million visitors since it opened in April last year. This month, the IR filled 87 per cent of its more than 2,500 hotel rooms.

-News courtesy of Omy-