A fourth coming to Ayia Napa
Melco International Development Ltd. will open three satellite casinos in the Greek-controlled republic of Cyprus before the end of the year, the Hong Kong-listed casino developer has announced. The satellites will be based in Nicosia, Larnaca and Paphos.
A fourth location in the coastal town of Ayia Napa is scheduled to open sometime in the spring, reported GGRAsia. The properties will operate in conjunction with Melco’s permanent casino, City of Dreams Mediterranean, now being developed in the city of Limassol.
Melco owns 75 percent of the COD project with a consortium that includes local partner Cyprus Phassouri (Zakaki). The partners won an exclusive 30-year casino license from the Greek-controlled island republic late last year; it calls for the flagship resort and four satellites. The permanent facility is scheduled to open in 2021; the properties represent a total investment of $660 million.
A temporary casino in Limassol opened June 28 with 33 gaming tables, 242 slot machines, a VIP gaming area, a restaurant and two bars. More than 34,000 people from 41 countries visited in the first three weeks of operation. Most of them were from Cyprus, followed by visitors from Greece, Israel, Romania, Russia and the United Kingdom. In its interim report, Melco said “more than 6,000 visitors” registered as members of the C2 Rewards Club loyalty program at the temporary casino.
“In three short months, C2 has become a must-see destination for locals and tourists alike,” said a statement from the company. “Currently, more than 600 persons are employed at the casino, and the vast majority of those being Cypriot citizens.”
City of Dreams Mediterranean, which will be Europe’s largest casino resort, should also draw plenty of Asian customers, said Melco Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho. “Asian tourists will be able to recognize our brand and as time develops they could be attracted to Cyprus,” he said. “Melco as a company attracts sophisticated customers, middle- and upper-class customers.”
