Las Vegas Sands has initiated a monumental $8bn expansion of its Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore, marking a significant investment in the city-state’s tourism sector.
The expansion, set to include a 55-storey hotel tower and a 15,000-seat arena, reflects the company’s confidence in the region’s potential.
The Nevada-based casino giant has broken ground on the new project, provisionally named IR2, which will be located next to the existing Marina Bay Sands resort. Expected to open in 2031, the development will feature 570 luxury suites, a casino and extensive space for exhibitions and conferences, contingent on government approval.
Lawrence Wong, Singapore Prime Minister, who attended the ground-breaking ceremony, emphasized the impact of the expansion, saying: “When completed, the expansion will refresh our skyline.”
This new addition will join the iconic three-tower Marina Bay Sands structure, a well-known attraction in Singapore that includes one of the nation’s two casinos.
Miriam Adelson, co-founder of Las Vegas Sands, acknowledged the mutual trust that has fuelled their partnership, adding: “You took a chance on us… we took a chance on you.”
Singapore’s strategy of leveraging man-made attractions to boost tourism includes landmarks like Southeast Asia’s only Universal Studios, a renowned zoo, and a Formula One night race. The nation attracted over 16 million international visitors last year, a 21% increase from 2023.
Patrick Dumont, President & COO of Las Vegas Sands, highlighted the firm’s substantial investment in Singapore, concluding: “This speaks volumes of our confidence in this region, and the potential that we continue to see in Singapore.”
Since starting operations in 2010, the company will have invested over $15bn in the country with the new project.
