A temporary casino presaging the Melco International Development Ltd-led City of Dreams Mediterranean (pictured in an artist’s rendering) in the Republic of Cyprus is to open on June 28.
So said casino investor Lawrence Ho Yau Lung following a ceremony on Friday to break ground on the main project in the southern coast city of Limassol, according to media reports.
Mr Ho, chairman and chief executive of Melco International, was also cited saying that in addition to the temporary gaming facility, a further four “satellite casinos” would open this year under the terms of the single-operator licence awarded to Melco International and partners. The satellite casinos would be located in Nicosia, Larnaca, Famagusta and Paphos, according to the company.
The 75 percent-25 percent consortium is led by Melco International and includes Cyprus Phasouri (Zakaki) Ltd, a Cyprus-based conglomerate.
It was also reported following Friday’s ceremony that the country’s president, Nicos Anastasiades, claimed in remarks at the event that the EUR550-million (US$648-million) main project – likely to be operational in 2021 – would create approximately 6,500 jobs, and attract 300,000 extra visitors to the island annually.
