Fiji could welcome its first casino resort and complex if the country approves a major new proposal – and the issuance of casino licenses more broadly.
Sandeep Singh, head of the David Group Fiji casino project, said recently the FJ$2 billion (AU$1.3B) development would include a casino and massive hotel among other initiatives.
“The first phase of the development costing $1 billion includes a stand-alone casino and 1000-room luxury integrated 7-star hotel with restaurants, conference rooms, a business centre, shopping mall, marina and the infrastructure required to connect this multifaceted development,” he told reporters.
“The second phase costing another $1 billion would include an amusement park Disney-style, indoor rugby stadium and entertainment complex and luxury subdivision.”
According to the Fiji Times, Singh said Macau-based David Group had a vision that aligned with the nation’s goal of private sector-led economic growth that included increasing exports in the services industry.
“It also satisfies a need to increase the capacity and scope of the tourism industry in Fiji,” he remarked.
Fiji stands in contrast to neighbours like Vanuatu and Samoa, which are already home to casino resorts. However, Singh said a casino could help expand the country’s tourism industry and attract more visitors, especially from China.
“It would be in Southern Denarau or Wailoaloa in Nadi but we have no finalisation at the moment because we can’t buy land without having a licence in our hand,” Singh stated, adding that development on the project would commence in 2026 if green lit.
What next?
According to the FBC, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said there was still a long way to go before the government issued any casino permits, with a clear set of rules for granting gambling licenses required first and foremost.
“We may have our views on this but it has to be treated very cautiously taking into account all the stakeholders interest particularly the social stakeholders in Fiji,” the PM stated.
Controversially, Singh said that while the project would give back to communities, locals themselves would not be allowed to enter the casino.
“While a casino may be a lucrative inclusion to the Fijian tourism landscape, we must mitigate against the local community being exposed to gambling,” he told local media.
“And in line with the ethos of the Government and stakeholders such as the Methodist Church of Fiji.
“Fijian citizens will not be allowed to enter the casino and our strict security protocols will ensure that this requirement is upheld.”
Meanwhile, travel to the island nation from Australia is going through the roof. According to Tourism Fiji, Aussie visitor arrivals have surpassed pre-pandemic levels for 14 consecutive months (to October 2023).
