A tale of two IRs: MBS edges out Genting’s RWS in mass-market appeal

MARINA Bay Sands’ (MBS) upcoming fourth tower – an expansion of its integrated resort (IR) in Singapore – may not significantly impact rival Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), but factors such as location and casino operations could potentially give MBS an edge.

DBS analyst Jason Sum highlighted that compared to RWS, which is run by Genting Singapore , MBS tends to draw a higher proportion of visitors who do not stay on its premises, even though it currently operates at an “elevated occupancy rate”. He does not expect the planned 587-room fourth tower at MBS to significantly draw visitors away from RWS.

The new development is expected to have 153,100 square metres of hotel space and 12,185 sq m of retail space, according to Jan 26 data from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). MBS announced in April 2019 that its fourth tower would feature 1,000 all-suite rooms. However, URA indicated in late January 2024 that the new tower will have over 587 rooms. MBS has declined to comment on the discrepancy in numbers.