Yokohama City is expected to reveal how many companies have submitted screening documentation to take part in its Request for Proposal process to develop an integrated resort by the end of May after the application period ended Monday.
As previously reported by IAG, Yokohama accepted screening documents for IR operator selection from 5 February until 17 May, with each applicant to be notified within seven days if they had subsequently passed initial screening.
Only one, unnamed operator is known to have submitted its documents early and passed although it is expected more will have been confirmed by the end of the month.
That’s despite confirmation on the final day of submissions this week that Macau’s Galaxy Entertainment Group had opted not to proceed with Yokohama’s RFP.
Galaxy joins Las Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts – who both withdrew last year – on the sidelines leaving four expected candidates in Yokohama: Genting Singapore, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Sega Sammy Holdings and Shotoku.
Any operators which now pass the examination stage must submit proposal documents between 1 June and 11 June, with a committee of experts to confidentially examine the details. The city intends to select and announce the operator during summer 2021.
Yokohama faces another challenge, however, in regard to the upcoming mayoral election and concerns that current mayor and IR supporter Fumiko Hayasahi may not pursue another term.
Hayashi’s current term expires on 29 August. The intention is for the election to be held on 22 August.
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