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Tinian casino to debut in 2020 Tinian in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, is scheduled to get a new casino resort early in 2020 as improved transport links open up the potential for tourism on the island.
T
he long-delayed project, which is owned by China’s Bridge Investment Group and managed by Wyndham Hotels, is now scheduled to open in Q2, 2020. The resort will cover about 40,000 square meters, with 300 hotel rooms. The plans include a 1,800 square meter casino complex, banquet spaces, a wedding chapel, a fitness center, two arcades, and a museum. Tourism arrivals to Tinian have been
Asia Gaming Briefings | November 2019
hampered by the lack of transport infrastructure, though that is now improving. In September, a new luxury ferry service was announced that will ease transport between Tinian and its larger neighbour Saipan. The 49.5m Sand Diamond ferry can carry 290 people and more than 30 cars and will begin regular daily sailings by the end of this year. “The launch of the Sand Diamond will cater to the large demand for Saipan
visitors to experience Tinian and all the entertainment options it offers, including the Tinian Casino. Previously the only access to Tinian has been by plane.” said Danny Ewing, Director Of Operations of US-based casino consultants to the project, Clear Management. The Tinian Casino is the first phase in a master plan for the Wyndham Hotel & Resort, the largest tourism and hospitality investment on the island. “Wyndham Hotel Group, as the international operator, is excited to see this latest commitment by the owners and developers of the Wyndham Hotel & Resort Tinian,” said Wyndham Senior Vice President Acquisition and Development, David Wray. “The introduction of this luxurious fast ferry service, will open up to the world the treasures of Tinian and the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most beautiful islands.” Tinian does have an airport and welcomed its first international charter flight in 2018, which is seen as the key to opening the market to a larger volume of tourists. However, with a lack of hotel accommodation on the island there is little incentive for airlines to
