The city of Punta Arenas, the capital of the Magallanes region in Chile, is looking to consolidate tourism in the area with the building of a new casino resort.
Earlier in the month the Chilean government said it would allow the building of nine new casinos and resorts, which are expected to create around 4,000 jobs, investing about $325 million in the process.
The Brunswick peninsula city of Punta Arenas is one of the locations to be awarded a casino licence, and the Pacifico Group is expected to begin work on the $3.4 million project in January.
Claudio Fischer, who owns the Pacifico Group with his brother Humberto, commented on the development.
"We're not only casino operators but also integral investors since the Casinos Bill demands that we also invest in hotels and other resort and leisure facilities. We're talking of a 15 year investment at least," he told MercoPress.
The resort will include an Imax theatre, interactive museum, food court, spa, cultural centre and a 1,000-seat convention centre, in addition to the five star hotel and casino.
Mr Fischer recognised that although the city attracts three tourists per resident, it is often only passing trade.
"They don't remain, they travel on to Puerto Natales, Antarctica and other destinations. With a casino, international food and spas it's going to make a difference," he said.
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