Inside Asian Gaming

February 2011 | INSIDE ASIAN GAMING 25 Cover Story Universal Studios is set to open at least two more rides this year, including the much- awaited Transformers attraction, while star chef Joel Robuchon, who holds 26 Michelin stars (the most in the world), plans to open three new restaurants at the resort. Reflecting the quality of the new tourist arrivals drawn by the IRs, the city state’s tourism revenue surged 49% year-onyear (outpacing the 20% growth in tourist numbers) to an estimated S$18.8 billion (US$14.8 billion) in 2010. “We’re on target to reach S$30 billion in revenue and 17 million visitors by 2015,” says Singapore Tourism Board Chief Executive Aw Kah Peng. Another contribution RWS has made to the local economy is the creation of 12,000 direct jobs, with plans for further hires. The other IR, Las Vegas Sands Corp’s US$5.5 billion Marina Bay Sands, which commenced operations on 27th April last year, employs 8,000 workers. RWS maintains its gaming lead Although we’re still waiting for the year- end earnings results from the two IRs, our sources suggest RWS is still comfortably holding onto the larger share of the local casino market, which Aaron Fischer, head of consumer and gaming research for CLSA Asia Pacific Markets, forecasts will reach US$6.5 billion this year and US$8 billion in 2012. The Battlestar Galactica duelling rollercoaster ride at Universal Studios Singapore was shut down after a seat detached and flew off the ride train during routine tests only a week after the attraction’s opening on 18th March, 2010. The issue has now been resolved and the theme park has completed several months of safety tests and received approval from Singapore authorities to reopen the ride on 21st February. The 140-foot tall Battlestar Galactica features two coasters named Human and Cyclon. It is the tallest duelling rollercoaster in the world. Resorts World Sentosa Intimate and low-key—the Resorts World Sentosa casino