Inside Asian Gaming
IAG DEC 2020年12月 亞博匯 30 COVER STORY owned businesses,” he continues. “Those markets are significant to us but also with Rosewood being involved, they have a global reach. “Then as a member of the Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board we focus on Europe and the US as well, and while those demographics are not as good from a gaming standpoint, they are certainly ones that appeal to us to attract, not just for Hoiana but for Vietnam tourism as a whole.” While the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic looks likely to stall any meaningful resumption of international travel until at least the second half of 2021, Wolstenholme notes that a number of facilities at Hoiana are already up and running, including Hoiana Shores Golf Club, Hoiana Hotel & Suites (the first of its hotels), some F&B, and Hoiana Suncity Casino, which welcomed its first guests in late June. Locals gaming remains off limits in Vietnam outside of one property, Corona Casino on Phu Quoc Island, which is part of a three-year trial by the Vietnamese government, so the decision to open some Hoiana attractions this year was primarily seen as “a great opportunity to ensure we are polished when it comes to training,” Wolstenholme says. Yet business at Hoiana Suncity – currently operating 140 gaming tables and 346 machines but with capacity for 1,000 machines – has been surprisingly strong, boosted by an expansive expat community. “Due to the pandemic, we have focused on domestic market and the expat community residing in Vietnam,” he continues. “Local aren’t permitted to game here unless they are dual citizens. But there are many expats living and Hoi An Beach. 會安海灘。
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