Crown's James Packer has claimed that Australia needs world-class casinos to compete with its neighbours and continue to attract international tourists to the country.
In his AGM address, Packer said that the governments in many Asian countries have recognised the importance of integrated casino complexes and resorts to national tourism infrastructure. In light of this, they have either approved or are discussing new complexes.
“In many cases, these countries see integrated casino resorts as the single most important tourism driver for their country,” he said. “Whether our detractors like this fact or not, it is the reality.”
Packer suggested that Asian countries are expected to be high growth tourism markets for Australia over the next 10 years.
“Crown Melbourne and Burswood are integrated resorts in exactly the same way as the integrated resorts being constructed in Singapore, and those being planned in other Asian countries, to form an important part of the tourism in industries in those countries.
“Crown Melbourne and Burswood are very important tourism drivers in Australia and have been for many years. In fact, in my view, Crown Melbourne and Burswood are the only truly world-class casino resorts in Australia.”
