Photo reports
Japan approves first casino , with conference centre part of new integrated resort
I n April the Japanese government gave the go-ahead for the country ’ s first casino . It will be part of an integrated resort to open in Osaka in 2029 .
The integrated resort will include a conference centre , exhibition hall , hotel and theatre on a 492,000sqm site . The Osaka Prefecture had bid in partnership with MGM to construct an integrated resort ( IR ) on Yumeshima , an artificial island in Osaka Bay . The project is expected to carry a US $ 8.1bn price tag . MGM Resorts is leading the consortium with its primary Japanese partner , Orix Corporation – a financial services group headquartered in Osaka .
The local city government expects the resort to attract 20 million guests and generate 520 billion yen ( US $ 3.9bn ) in revenue a year .
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said : “ An integrated resort is important for attracting many tourists , both domestic and international , and to pursue the goal of being a tourism-oriented nation ”.
Osaka is expecting 70 % of visitors coming to the resort in its first three years will be domestic . Osaka is home to Universal Studios Japan and is less than an hour away from Kyoto , a popular site for tourists .
Delegates invited to step into the impossible world of Escher in The Hague
Delegates attending conferences in The Hague will be able to step into the impossible world of Escher this year ; the artist who made water flow upwards , turned birds into fish and let hands draw each other . 2023 marks 125 years since the birth of the Netherlands ’ famous graphic artist Maurits Cornelis Escher ( 1898-1972 ) and venues will be exhibiting his work , providing delegates with some creative additions to their events .
There are four exhibitions at Kunstmuseum Den Haag and Escher in The Palace , plus a host of activities in the city organised in collaboration with various partners . During the anniversary year a number of buildings in the centre of The Hague will be also be ‘ dressed ’ in Escher ’ s style .
Escher ’ s graphic work is about change and perception and fits in with the identity of The Hague , a city of contrasts : City and beach , modern and historic , raw and refined . “ Escher is one of the Netherlands ’ most famous artists , so it is only right we remember him this year ,” says Bas Schot , head of The Hague Convention Bureau . “ Conferences and events always have more impact when they include elements of relevant culture . Whether it is for the delegates or partners , as an addition or a fundamental part of an event ’ s theme , Escher ’ s 125th birthday offers the perfect opportunity to add something extra to any event visiting The Hague this year .”
ISSUE 124 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 49