Resorts World Sentosa CEO Says Recovery Is a Long Game as Property Rebuilds Appeal

The chief executive of Resorts World Sentosa has cautioned that rebuilding the property’s appeal and financial performance will take time, underscoring that recovery is not an overnight process even as regional travel and gaming demand continue to normalise. Speaking amid ongoing operational upgrades, management stressed that the focus remains on long-term repositioning rather than short-term revenue spikes.

According to the CEO, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is undergoing a deliberate transformation aimed at refreshing both its gaming and non-gaming offerings. This includes reinvestment into attractions, hotel inventory, and experiential tourism components designed to broaden the resort’s appeal beyond traditional casino patrons. The strategy aligns with Genting Singapore’s wider vision of strengthening Sentosa as a premium leisure destination rather than relying solely on gaming-led growth.

While Singapore’s two integrated resorts have benefited from the return of international visitors, executives noted that competitive dynamics have intensified, particularly as neighbouring markets reopen and expand. RWS, in particular, faces the task of regaining momentum after periods of disruption and underinvestment. Management emphasised that improvements in visitation and spend are expected to be gradual, with meaningful financial results emerging only after upgrades are fully rolled out and market perception shifts.

Analysts say the comments reflect a broader industry reality: post-pandemic recovery in mature IR markets is increasingly driven by product quality, differentiation, and sustained capital expenditure. Unlike immediate rebounds seen in some regional casino hubs, Singapore’s tightly regulated environment places a premium on compliance, innovation, and balanced tourism development. This makes recovery steadier, but potentially more durable over the long term.

Looking ahead, Resorts World Sentosa’s leadership remains confident that patience will pay off, particularly as refreshed attractions come online and global travel confidence improves. For investors and policymakers alike, the message is clear—revitalising an integrated resort of RWS’s scale requires time, consistent execution, and a clear strategic vision rather than quick fixes.