The well-known Philippine hotel group, Travellers International Hotel Group, recently announced a major investment plan, which will launch two new casino resort projects in Mactan, Cebu, and Boracay Island by 2026. The group's parent company, Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI), plans to invest 39.7 billion Philippine pesos (approximately 700 million US dollars) to carry out this strategic expansion.
Nilo Thaddeus Rodriguez, President and CEO of Travellers, stated that the new projects will differ from the large-scale integrated resort models like Newport World Manila or Westside City. "We are adjusting the market scale by building boutique gaming centers that will serve the tourist areas we already operate in." This strategic move marks the group's first shift of business focus from Metro Manila to other regions.
It is understood that the Boracay Island World Resort will include a moderately sized casino facility, which will harmonize with the environment of this 10.3 square kilometer resort island. Kevin Tan, President and CEO of AGI, previously emphasized, "We are not pursuing massive structures, but rather focusing on creating facilities that are just right."
This strategic adjustment comes at a time when the Philippine tourism industry is experiencing fluctuations. Although the Minister of Tourism, Christina Garcia Frasco, reported a record industry revenue of 760 billion Philippine pesos in 2024, data from the first four months of 2025 shows a decrease of 18% in South Korean tourists and a 34.4% decline in tourists from mainland China. Analysts believe this may be related to an increase in crimes targeting specific nationalities and adjustments in visa policies.
Meanwhile, Travellers' key project in Manila, Westside City Integrated Resort, is still pushing forward at full speed. Rodriguez confirmed that this 71 billion peso project is "moving forward at full speed," aiming to open in the third quarter of 2026. The project will include three hotels, a casino with over 2000 gaming devices, an opera house, and other facilities, aiming to create an entertainment destination comparable to Marina Bay Sands in Singapore or Macau.
Industry observers note that as online gambling revenues in the Philippines surpass those of physical casinos, traditional casino resorts are redefining their market role. They are increasingly becoming anchors for tourism, cultural, and entertainment experiences, offering interpersonal interactions and real-life experiences that digital platforms cannot replicate.
