Following approval by the Council of Ministers on 4th April 2011, the Isle of Man Department of Economic Development is seeking expressions of interest from organisations interested in working with the Government to establish a 5-star hotel and casino complex on the Island. The Government believes that in granting a second casino licence, an opportunity will be created to diversify the visitor offering and to increase visitor numbers to the Island and the on-Island spend per visitor. Additionally, the development of a resort hotel and casino complex, which will be the second casino built on the Island, will fulfil the Government’s objective to further diversify the Island’s overall economy and create employment in the construction and leisure sectors.
However, the Sefton Group, operator of the existing casino at the Palace Hotel, believes that two casinos cannot operate profitably – that the catchment area is insufficient. The Group already has expressed publicly its dismay at the Government move. In October 2009 a planning application by the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club in Santon for a casino and 3-storey aparthotel was approved.
Commenting on the decision to move ahead with the granting of the second casino licence, Minister for Economic Development, Hon. Allan Bell commented: "I believe the granting of a second casino licence and development of a hotel complex will be a great asset to the Isle of Man, creating significant economic opportunities and benefit. Not only will the development create jobs in the construction and leisure industry, but it will also significantly add to the Island’s excellent existing services."
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Tim Craine, Director, Department of Economic Development Business Development Agency added: "This is a rare opportunity to build on and complement our existing visitor and leisure facilities on the Isle of Man. We are looking to work with organisations interested in the construction, ownership and management of hotel and resort complexes. With good transport links from the UK, beautiful countryside, as well as nine golf courses and a range of outdoor activites, the Isle of Man offers an ideal location for five star hotel and spa leisure complex – a welcome addition for both visitors and residents."
The Department of Economic Development invites interested parties to express their interest in the development and give a brief outline of their proposal accompanied by details of the company or consortium interested in delivering the project. Tenders submitted will involve consideration by the Department of Economic Development who will be liaising with Global Betting and Gaming Consultants (CBGC) and the Island’s Gambling Supervision Commission. The Government is happy to arrange meetings with representatives of interested parties to answer any queries. (E-09.28.11)
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