Aichi Prefecture has announced the launch of its Request for Proposal (RFP) process for the development of an integrated resort at Chubu Centrair International Airport, with interested parties given around six months to submit their examination documents.
Releasing details around the RFP, which kicks off from today, Aichi Prefecture noted it had previously solicited opinions from private businesses regarding the feasibility of realizing an Integrated Resort (IR) project and that several private businesses interested in an IR had submitted their opinions.
With the central government having in mid-March promulgated and enforced a cabinet order establishing a second application period for IRs from 6 May to 5 November 2027, Aichi said it would therefore further investigate the feasibility of realizing an IR by soliciting specific proposals from today, 1 April 2026.
Under the terms of the RFP schedule, interested parties have until Friday 31 July 2026 to submit a letter of intent to participate and until an unspecified date in autumn 2026 to submit their proposal review documentation.
Supporting information released by Aichi Prefecture this week and reviewed by Inside Asian Gaming reveal a two-step selection method that will start with an eligibility screening to ensure applicants meet required qualifications followed by a proposal evaluation where plans are closely reviewed. An Evaluation Committee of experts will assess the proposal and recommend candidates.
Proposals will be scored from S (excellent) to E (not acceptable) with corresponding percentage points applied to each evaluation criterion. Total scores will determine the ranking and ties resolved by the number of “S” ratings. Any candidate scoring less than 50% in any major category will be disqualified, as will any candidate scoring less than 60% of total points on offer.
The top-ranked applicant based on this will become the primary candidate with the second-ranked as alternative.
The proposal evaluation criteria will score candidates out of 1,000 points, broken down as follows:
- Contribution to Internationally Competitive Tourism (450 points)
Overall IR concept, architectural design, building scale, universal design, environmental sustainability, multiculturalism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) facilities, entertainment and hospitality facilities, casino design and infrastructure measures. - Economic and Social Impact (100 points)
Tourism and regional economic effects, including visitor numbers, spending, employment and investment. - Operational Capability and Stability (250 points)
Ability to reliably implement and manage the IR project, financial stability, disaster prevention and mitigation, compliance and community contribution. - Utilization of Casino Revenue (50 points)
Plans to reinvest casino revenue to maintain long-term appeal and improve IR facilities. - Mitigation of Adverse Impacts from Casino Operations (150 points)
Measures to prevent harmful social impacts, including problem gambling prevention and security.
Aichi Prefecture previously set aside a budget of JPY276.6 million (US$1.75 million) to study the development of an international tourism hub with IR facilities on the selected Chubu Centrair International Airport site. The funds are intended for research and studies needed to conceptualize and plan the development of functions that support an international tourism city centered around MICE at Chubu Centrair International Airport and the surrounding region – explicitly including IR facilities.
The research aims to investigate what kinds of facilities, services and infrastructure enhancements are needed to boost attractiveness for international visitors and encourage inbound tourism.
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