Wynn’s recent UK acquisition is also geared toward attracting travelers to Al Marjan Island.
Catering for Emirati staycationers and GCC travelers is key to the success of Wynn’s upcoming casino resort in Ras Al Khaimah, says the company’s Chief Communications Officer.
Speaking to travel news site Skift at the Arabian Travel Market event earlier this week, Wynn’s Michael Weaver revealed that visitors looking for "staycations" and short getaways from Dubai and Abu Dhabi are an important target market.
These visitors are part of a wider pool of Middle Eastern tourist business that the Vegas heavyweight hopes to bring to its UAE resort.
Attracting interest in what will be the country's first casino hotel when it opens in 2027 has also shaped some of Wynn's recent activity outside of the region.
Its acquisition of exclusive UK members club Crown London, which is frequented by Middle Eastern tourists, is “totally based on using that [club] to create relationships in Ras Al Khaimah,” said Weaver.
He added that local Emiratis, who make up around 10% of the total population of the UAE, would ‘“certainly” be allowed into the resort but will not be permitted to game, citing the current GCGRA stance on the issue.
“We’ve tried to be very respectful of people and aware of the sensitivities people have."
