Queensland Tourism Critical of Packer Casino Plans

Tuesday 24 April, 2012 16:16

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James Packer has been forced to defend his Sydney Casino plans after they came under criticism from the Tourism Queensland Chairman, Don Morris.

Packer argued that his $1 billion casino and hotel development plan for Barangaroo in Sydney is necessary to help Australian tourism grow.

Mr. Morris, however, argued that he opposes the development of casinos in Australia as a way to boost tourism, particularly their focus on Chinese clientele. He claims that Chinese tourists are not lured by casinos.

"Instead, it's China's fascination with Australia's unique differences: the clean air and beaches; the uncrowded space; the friendly people with their relaxed, easygoing outdoors lifestyle; the unique quality of life - and food - enjoyed by ordinary people; the un-spoilt natural environment; the world's oldest indigenous culture; the icons of the Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef; koalas, kangaroos and so on," argued Mr. Morris.

"None of this provides any evidence to support the contention that the most affluent Chinese won't come to Australia without new, large scale casinos."

Mr. Packer disagreed with Mr. Morris and claimed that his casino and hotel plans are a vital part of Australia achieving tourism growth targets. "We need to be proactive and build high-quality hotels and infrastructure to complement our country's beautiful natural assets or we will just squander more opportunities in the future," said Packer.

Tourism Australia Chairman Supports Packer

Geoff Dixon, Tourism Australia Chairman and board member of Crown Casino supported Mr. Packer's position, saying that Australia could do with "all the help we can get."

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Mr. Dixon claimed that the word "casino" was misleading and should be replaced with the more general term, "integrated resorts."

"The Crown, Burswood and Star complexes are a lot more than casinos; they are integrated resorts that provide some of the best restaurants, convention and meeting facilities in Australia," he explained.

"I think casinos are part of the mix, particularly for the high-end Chinese traveler and other Asian investors. They want all the things our research says, such as the environment and good food, but also many of them do desire the opportunity to visit casinos."

Mr. Packer further argued that Australia could not afford to be complacent and assume that tourists would come for the natural beauty of the country alone. "Competition has increased significantly and governments in the Asian region such as Singapore, Macau, Vietnam and the Philippines have recognized the importance of integrated resorts to grow tourism," he said.

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