The Rise of Integrated Megaresorts

Megaresorts, also known as integrated resorts, have been on the rise in major tourist destinations over the past couple of decades. These massive, multi-use complexes combine hotels, casinos, lotto like Sisal IT, retail, dining, entertainment, and more all under one roof. The integrated model creates a guest experience where amenities and attractions are conveniently connected for ease of access. One of the most prominent examples is the CityCenter complex in Las Vegas.

The CityCenter Development in Las Vegas

Opened in 2009 after six years of planning and construction at a cost of $9.2 billion, CityCenter encompasses over 67 acres on the Las Vegas Strip. The project was conceived by MGM Resorts International and Dubai World as a way to add a unique mixed-use element to the Strip. CityCenter features:

• The 4,004-room Aria Resort & Casino with a 150,000 square foot casino
• The 1,495-suite Vdara Hotel & Spa
• The 392-room Mandarin Oriental luxury hotel
• The 400-room boutique Veer Towers
• The Crystals retail and entertainment district with high-end shops and restaurants
• The Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Hermitage Museum
• Numerous pieces of public art and sculpture installations

This expansive complex incorporates diverse hospitality, entertainment, and cultural options within an architecturally stunning urban center. The modern, sleek buildings and contemporary artworks provide a distinct flair. The layout allows guests to walk between venues through interior and exterior walkways without needing to go outside.

Trends Fueling the Rise of Integrated Resorts

Several key factors have sparked the trend toward integrated resorts in tourist destinations over standalone hotels and casinos:

Greater Expectations for Amenities

Today’s travelers have greater expectations when it comes to amenities and attractions. Integrated megaresorts cater to these expectations with expanded dining, entertainment, retail and recreation options conveniently located on the massive property.

Capturing More Tourist Spending

By providing retail, shows, nightlife, attractions and more, integrated resorts can capture more spending per tourist. This helps drive greater revenues across the various integrated venues.

Standing Out in Competitive Markets

For tourist hot spots facing a lot of competition for visitors’ attention like Las Vegas and Macau, integrated megaresorts provide a way to stand out. The sheer scale and uniqueness differentiates them.

Urban Renewal

Integrated resorts can enable urban renewal in city centers and tourist zones by redeveloping large tracts of land into vibrant new mixed-use spaces. The improved infrastructure and influx of visitors can inject new life.

Diversification Against Downturns

By incorporating non-gaming amenities like retail, dining and entertainment, integrated resorts can appeal to a wider guest base while also diversifying to withstand fluctuations in the economy.

Examples Outside of Las Vegas

Las Vegas has been at the forefront of developing integrated resorts, but it’s a trend that has caught on globally. Some other notable integrated megaresorts include:

• Marina Bay Sands in Singapore features a hotel, aviator casino, shopping mall, museum, two large theaters, seven celebrity chef restaurants, an ice skating rink and a convention center;
• City of Dreams in Macau with over 20 dining options, 175,000 square feet of retail space, and three hotels managed by Hard Rock Hotel, Crown Towers Hotel and Grand Hyatt Macau
• Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore spanning 49 acres with a casino, six hotels, Universal Studios theme park, an aquarium and more;
• Paradise City in South Korea provides a luxury hotel, casino, convention center, spa and indoor water park;
• MGM Cotai in Macau offering over 1,400 hotel rooms across four hotel brands plus one of the world’s largest rooftop Sky pools, retail shops, dining venues and the spectacle.

As tourist demands grow and destinations face increasing competition, the integrated megaresort model provides major competitive advantages. From Las Vegas to Macau to Singapore and beyond, expect to see more of these mixed-use behemoths arising in the years ahead. Their scale and breadth of amenities set them apart.