Macau junket operator and investment firm David Group announced the plans to enter a FJ$2 billion ( $895 million) casino and hotel resort development in the island country of Fiji. The company’s project head Sandeep Singh reportedly said that the project will launch in 2026 following the respective approval from competent authorities.

Two-Stage Development:

As reported by Fiji Times, the project leader said that the project for a luxurious hotel and entertainment complex in Fiji will include two stages.

“The first phase of the development costing FJ$1billion [$447.5 million] includes a stand-alone casino and 1000-room luxury integrated 7-star hotel with restaurants, conference rooms, a business center, shopping mall, marina and the infrastructure required to connect this multifaceted development,” Singh reportedly said. “The second phase costing another FJ$1 billion [$447.5 million] would include an amusement park Disney-style, indoor rugby stadium and entertainment complex and luxury sub division.”

Boosting Local Economy:

As reported, the anticipated project fits in with the government policy to support private sector to add value to the domestic economy and increase exports of services.  The planned facility is also expected to ramp up foreign visits, and Singh reportedly said:“It also satisfies a need to increase the capacity and scope of the tourism industry in Fiji.” Fiji Times also reports that casino tourism is not significantly present in the island country, but Singh argued that the casino development ”would provide the opportunity to diversify the Fijian tourism sector and entice more tourists from China.’‘

Securing 600 Local Jobs:

According to Asian Gaming Brief, the project would also employ more than 600 people from the local community. But, once completed, the development will reportedly not allow local visitors. Singh reportedly said: ““Fijian citizens will not be allowed to enter the casino and our strict security protocols will ensure that this requirement is upheld.”

If approved, the development will reportedly start in 2026 with the location yet to be designated.“It would be in Southern Denarau or Wailoaloa in Nadi but we have no finalization at the moment because we can’t buy land without having a license in our hand,” Sings said. As the developer looks for the license, Karryon reports that the government is cautious about the further steps as it is committed to following the gambling license rules and regulations in the first place.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka reportedly stated: “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.” Meanwhile, the same source reports that foreign visits to Fiji are booming, with Australian visitor arrivals alone exceeding pre-pandemic levels for more than a year.