Genting International and Star Cruises Wins the Bid for the Integrated Resort on Sentosa

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Genting International and Star Cruises Wins the Bid for the Integrated Resort on Sentosa

Infinity@The Bay Pte Ltd, Joint Venture Company between Genting International and Star Cruises has been awarded the project to develop the Integrated Resort (IR) on Sentosa.

This was announced today by the Government’s Tender Approving Authority or TAA , chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Professor S Jayakumar. At a press conference Prof Jayakumar said, “All 3 bidders submitted high-quality proposals which strongly reflected their commitment in developing a world-class integrated resort at Sentosa.” He added “Genting International & Star Cruises submitted the most compelling proposal overall that best meets our economic and tourism objectives. In particular, the proposal reflects our vision for the Sentosa IR as a large-scale, family resort with its host of world-class family leisure attractions and other strong offerings.”

Successful Request For Proposal (RFP) Process
The RFP for the IR on Sentosa was launched on 28 April 2006 and closed on 10 October 2006. Three proposers responded to the RFP namely; Infinity@The Bay Pte Ltd, a Joint Venture Company between Genting International & Star Cruises (“Genting”), Kerzner CapitaLand Integrated Resorts Pte Ltd and Eighth Wonder Pte Ltd.

Each of the three proposers committed to invest between S$5.2 billion to S$5.5 billion in an iconic development that would generate substantial economic benefits for Singapore. This reflects Singapore’s buoyant investment climate and the strong potential that international investors see in its tourism sector. All the proposals offered an excellent range of tourism products, ranging from family leisure attractions to a wide variety of hotels and other entertainment options. The proposals also all met the stringent social safeguards set by the Singapore Government for the casino component.

Rigorous Evaluation Process
The evaluation of the proposals was based on the following four main criteria, with approximate weights as shown:

Tourism appeal and contribution (45%);
Architectural concept and design (25%);
Development investment (20%); and
Strength of consortium and partners (10%).

The proposals were assessed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. It is a methodology that provides discipline and objectivity, ensuring that the final outcome is based on an evaluation of both the qualitative and quantitative factors.
The evaluation process was conducted systematically. All three proposers had the opportunity to present their proposals to the TAA shortly after the close of the RFP, and later separately to the Tender Evaluation Committee (TEC) chaired by Mr Lim Siong Guan, Chairman, Economic Development Board, which conducted the detailed evaluation of the proposals. The TAA also considered the views of a Design Evaluation Panel comprising established local and international architects and planners, and professionals with experience in planning and developing major tourism attractions. The views of other international and local experts in areas such as tourism attractions, and financial models were also considered by the TAA.

Following the rigorous evaluation process, the TAA assessed that Infinity@The Bay Pte Ltd, Joint Venture Company between Genting International PLC and Star Cruises had submitted the best proposal overall – Resorts World at Sentosa.

Best Overall Proposal : Resorts World at Sentosa

Tourism Appeal and Contribution
Genting proposed an excellent IR development that will strengthen Singapore’s overall appeal to visitors, positioning Sentosa and Singapore firmly as a top-of-mind, fun and exciting family destination. Leveraging on Genting’s expertise and established track record in gaming and resort operations, the proposal integrates a range of resort accommodation, Meetings & Incentives (M&I), F&B, retail and entertainment attractions, and a host of world-class family leisure experiences. Universal Studios will have its largest theme park in Asia at Resorts World at Sentosa, offering 22 attractions within seven themed worlds, of which 16 will be specially designed for Singapore. Key highlights include the all-new “Journey to Madagascar” attraction and the Dreamworks Digital Animation Studios which will showcase the cutting edge of movie-making and real-time animation.

Resorts World at Sentosa will also offer other family entertainment experiences such as Quest Marine Life Park with the largest single marine tank in the world and interactive dolphin habitat, operated by the world-renowned Dolphin Quest. Other attractions include the Equarius Water Park which offers customised water-rides, and a Maritime Xperiential Museum.

There will also be entertainment along the retail, dining and entertainment precinct of FestiveWalk, three public amphitheatres which will feature regular performances including the Crane Ballet spectacular, as well as ESPA, a premiere spa resort. Resorts World at Sentosa will also feature a resident show – ‘Le Vie’ which is put together by members from the same creative team behind the Cirque du Soleil blockbusters such as ‘KA’ and ‘O’ in Las Vegas. There will be a total of six hotels offering 1,830 rooms including a first-in-the-world hotel - Hotel Michael - designed by award-winning architect, Michael Graves. (Please refer to the attached fact sheet for more details.)

Architectural Concept and Design
The overall composition of buildings, form and massing responds well to the existing fabric of Sentosa. The architecture is human scale with a village-like festive ambience. The site is well laid out, providing visitors with a clear visual orientation to key attractions and facilities.

The extensive use of water, landscaping and the choice of materials (such as stone and wood) reflect the tropical resort feel of the island. Most of the major attractions are also designed with canopies, covered walkways and landscaped features to enhance visitors' experience in all-weather condition. There is attractive night lighting to highlight the architectural features of the individual buildings and character of different zones.

Track Record
Genting International has a strong track record in developing leisure resorts in various overseas locations, including Malaysia and Australia. Star Cruises with its modern fleet of ships is one of Asia’s leading cruise lines and the third largest cruise operator in the world. Together, the consortium has over 40 years of experience in developing and operating hotels, resorts, attractions, entertainment and cruise lines. The consortium has a global distribution network of more than 35 offices in 17 countries.

Economic Benefits
Genting committed to a development investment of S$3.85 billion. Together with the land price and other associated capital costs, the total investment by Genting is S$5.2 billion. Genting is expected to generate about $2.7 billion (or approximately 0.8%) to Singapore’s annual Gross Domestic Product and about 30,000 jobs throughout the economy by 2015.

Record of Appreciation
The Singapore Government would like to thank all the three proposers for the tremendous efforts and resources that they have put into the RFP.