Mindil Beach Casino & Resort selected as new name after stakeholder input
DARWIN, N.T., Australia, 2019-Apr-01 — /Travel PR News/ — Global hospitality company Delaware North has received regulatory approval to proceed with its acquisition of SKYCITY Darwin and has announced plans to rename the popular gaming and entertainment venue and resort.
The official transfer of ownership is expected to take place in early April, at which point the property will be renamed Mindil Beach Casino & Resort as a nod to the iconic west-facing beach on the Arafura Sea that the venue has occupied since the early 1980s.
Delaware North consulted extensively with stakeholders from the Northern Territory Government, the Darwin Chamber of Commerce, local businesses and frequent visitors to the casino in formulating the new name.
Two working groups were established to inform decisions made about the casino’s name and brand execution, with the overwhelming consensus that the physical location of the venue was an essential part of any new name.
Delaware North Managing Director Gary Brown said the name is also synonymous with the casino’s past and that the name Mindil Beach Casino & Resort would have special relevance for original visitors to the popular destination.
“This place began its life as Mindil Beach Casino and we think it’s a fitting tribute to the location, the venue and its patrons that we honour its legacy by reverting to the original name, albeit with a subtle adaptation to recognise the resort features that have been introduced over the years,” Brown said.
“It was important to capture the feedback of the many groups of people that have an interest in the casino, and we are grateful to the Northern Territory Government, businesses in the area, the Chamber of Commerce and especially our customers for participating in our consultation about the new name.”
The new name will be progressively rolled out across the casino, including an exciting new logo that will feature throughout the building, and on uniforms, vehicles, casino collaterals and other casino and resort marketing assets. The logo, which was also inspired by feedback from stakeholders, incorporates a North-pointing spade from a deck of playing cards, stylised with swaying palms that are synonymous with Darwin and the tropical north.
Brown said Delaware North and Mindil Beach Casino & Resort management will work closely with the Northern Territory Government and tourism officials to ensure there is widespread awareness among the travel and tourism community that Darwin’s casino has a new name.
“Previous operators did an excellent job of positioning the casino as a destination of choice for local residents and visitors to the area, and we will ensure these, and other key audiences, are made well-aware of the new name,” Brown said.
Delaware North has a long history of operating successful gaming and resort facilities around the world, which was a key reason it was successful in its bid to purchase the casino from SKYCITY Entertainment Group.
Last year Delaware North acquired Brisbane-area pubs and gaming venues The Shafston Hotel and The Aspley Hotel, expanding the company’s Australian interests into gaming and entertainment. In the United States, Delaware North owns or operates more than 12 casinos and gaming venues and about 30 lodging properties. The company also provides food and retail services at professional sports venues, airports and national and state parks.
“It’s an honour to have Mindil Beach Casino & Resort join Delaware North’s stable of gaming and entertainment properties. We look forward to growing the venue and its many offerings, and in so doing, helping to grow the local economy through jobs, tourism and investment,” Brown said.
Contact:
Victoria Hong
Director-Corporate Communications
250 Delaware Ave.
Buffalo, New York 14202
Email: vhong@delawarenorth.com
Phone: 716-858-5420
Fax: 716-858-5125
Source: Delaware North