Paradise feels the pinch
The Beijing government has backpedaled on its blanket ban of travel by mainlanders to Korea. According to Inside Asian Gaming, China will soon allow travel agencies in Beijing and Shangdong to resume some group tours to Korea, home of 16 foreigners-only casinos.
The news should be especially welcome for the Paradise Group, which has seen its new integrated resort Paradise City struggle out of the gate since opening in April.
Beijing called for the ban in response to the decision by South Korea to install a U.S. anti-missile system, itself was a response to aggression by North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.
The travel restrictions had disastrous consequences for certain areas of Korea, including the holiday island of Jeju, home of nine foreigners-only casinos. Tourist numbers plunged 56.2 percent in March, 88.1 percent in April, 89.6 percent in May and 89.3 percent in June.
According to Asia Gaming Brief, the relaxation of the ban is a sign of “thawing relations” between China and South Korea. Analysts believe the ban will be lifted region by region, according to the Korea Times. Meanwhile, a ban on online sales of package tours, cruise trips and charter flights remains.
