Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga spoke in the House of Representatives on 28 October regarding integrated resorts, confirming his belief that IRs are an important initiative for Japan in becoming a developed tourist destination.
He also reiterated his intention to continue the IR policy of his predecessor, Shinzo Abe, who stepped down as the nation’s leader in August due to health reasons.
Asked by the opposition on Wednedsay whether the policy for casino bidding should be revised in consideration of the reduction in tourist numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Suga replied answered, “There are so-called casinos in 130 countries and regions.
“A Japanese IR would have an international conference hall, exhibition hall, accommodation facilities, and facilities that can be enjoyed by families. This is an important initiative for Japan to become a developed tourist destination.”
In his general-policy speech on 26 October, Suga emphasized that inbound visitors have increased to 32 million people a year, approximately four times higher than when the LDP came into power in 2012.
