A blend of the world’s best gaming resorts from Macau and Las Vegas in plan for Aquis mega-resort near Cairns A TOUCH of Macau, a taste of Las Vegas and a splash of Singapore are on the cards for the $8.15 billion Aquis mega resort at Yorkeys Knob. Aquis chief executive Justin Fung took media and Cairns business leaders on a two-day tour of several casinos and integrated resorts in Macau in the heartland of the Hong Kong billionaire family’s domain late last week. They included Wynn, MGM, Grand Lisboa and Venetian, which has the largest gaming floor in the world and a replica Venice canal system lined with luxury shopping. The 29-year-old has intimate knowledge of the workings of the gambling venues and was keen to show aspects which he wants to emulate and also avoid in Cairns. At Grand Lisboa he liked the impressive pieces of ivory art which draw people in for a photograph. “Certainly not ivory, but unique artwork that will inspire people is what I’d like at Aquis,’’ he told The Cairns Post “I’d like some unique pieces in the main lobby,’’ he said. Mr Fung said he would introduce an attractive US-style rewards program for regular customers. He said Macau was an amazing gambling mecca, turning over $1 trillion a year, with profits of about $40 billion from 40 million visitors a year – more than 50 per cent from mainland China and 30 per cent from Hong Kong. The Fungs need one million a year to make Aquis work. Mr Fung said it was not just gaming where money was to be made but high-end retail shopping too. He said Aquis would feature premium brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Prada and Chanel. “One duty free store here turns over $1 billion a year,’’ Mr Fung said. He said they featured VIP lounges where customers were given first class treatment. “I want a real luxury experience. Retail will be a big component,’’ Mr Fung said. He said although Aquis had applied for 1500 poker machines and 750 tables, the ratio was 1:2 while in Macau it was between 2-3:1. Mr Fung said a southern university report was wrong to suggest Aquis would exploit locals with the pokies because the Chinese did not play slot machines. Aquis would have a stunning aquarium modelled on the best in Dubai with a large array of marine life, including native Australia species. “It’s got to have a wow factor. I don’t like what I have seen here,’’ Mr Fung said. A water feature featuring fountains which “dance” to music will greet guests at the entrance. He has ruled out “tacky and gaudy” at Aquis. “I like understated and elegant,’’ Mr Fung said. “I like a bit of opulence but tastefully done, a delicate balance needs to be struck. That’s my goal.’’ Mr Fung said there would be expensive high-class villas for VIP guests but he was also keen to bring the fun and family atmosphere of Las Vegas to Yorkeys Knob. “We will be an integrated resort with a casino. Not a casino adding an integrated resort,’’ he said. “We have got to be cool to attract young people. We will have video arcades, which you don’t see any more, attractions for children and (theatre style) shows for everyone. “Not everyone will be coming to Cairns to gamble ... we have the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest and it is easily accessible. “You (Cairns) have the real recipe there.’’ Source NEWS LIMITED- CP Story Nick Dalton TOUR: Aquis tour of Macau, inside the Wynn Casino. Picture: Marc McCormack
Posted on: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 20:57:43 +0000
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