Penghu islands to be the new Macao?

2007-09-12 15:18:39

If Macao wants to be the new Las Vegas, then the islands of Penghu, off the coast of Taiwan, want to be next Macao, it has been claimed.

According to Toshinao Ishii, writing in the Daily Yomiuri, Penghu wants to become known as gambling mecca for Chinese tourists, a reputation that will help revitalise the local economy.

Tourism from China has already increased by 80 per cent in the past year and Penghu has now started work on a luxury hotel, the writer noted.

Penghu county prefect Wang Chien-fa said: "I want the casino to be the first step toward making the islands a resort destination.

"We are aiming for a tenfold increase in tourist numbers to five million per year."

Last month, an Isle of Man-based development firm said it will start building a luxury five-star casino resort on the Penghu islands at the beginning of next year.

Amazing Holdings recently completed the purchase of 27 acres of land on the Penghu islands, which means work can start in January.