Billionaire Planning Two Casino Resorts In Philippines

Andrew Tan

Billionaire Andrew Tan is positioning his conglomerate, Alliance Global, to capitalize on the anticipated travel boom in the Philippines, with an ambitious investment of approximately $700 million, Tan’s company is set to develop new integrated casino resorts in two of the country’s most popular tourist destinations – the idyllic island of Boracay and the vibrant city of Cebu.

Alliance Global, the holding company that oversees Tan’s diverse business interests, has been a key player in the Philippines’ burgeoning gaming and entertainment sector. The company already operates the successful Newport World Resorts, an integrated casino resort located just outside the country’s main international airport. Now, Tan is doubling down on his casino investments, recognizing the immense potential for growth in the post-pandemic travel market.

One of the crown jewels of Tan’s casino expansion plans is the development of a new integrated resort within Alliance Global’s existing 150-hectare township on the idyllic island of Boracay. Known for its powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Boracay has long been a top destination for both domestic and international travellers. By establishing a world-class casino resort on the island.

The Boracay casino resort will complement the existing facilities within the Alliance Global township, which already boasts an 18-hole golf course and nearly 2,000 hotel rooms. By integrating the new casino into this well-established ecosystem, Tan hopes to create a comprehensive, one-stop destination that caters to the diverse needs and preferences of visitors. The project, which is expected to be completed by next year, is estimated to cost around $300 million.

In addition to the Boracay development, Alliance Global is also investing $400 million to build a new casino resort on Mactan Island, located in the central Philippine province of Cebu. Cebu, known for its vibrant cityscapes, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes, has long been a key tourism draw for both domestic and international travellers.

The Cebu casino resort will be situated within Alliance Global’s existing township on Mactan Island, strategically positioned to capitalize on the region’s growing popularity. The project, slated for completion by 2026, is expected to create at least 5,000 new jobs.

The casino projects in Boracay and Cebu are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Alliance Global’s ambitious growth plans. The company, led by Tan’s son and heir-apparent, Kevin Tan, is also constructing eight new hotels with a total of 4,000 rooms. This expansion will bring Alliance Global’s hotel portfolio to a staggering 27 properties with 12,000 rooms by the year 2030, up from its current 19 properties and 8,000 rooms.

“Our business is on an upward trajectory,” declared Kevin Tan, the president and CEO of Alliance Global, during a recent gaming conference in Manila. “Right now, we see so much demand for premium hospitality accommodations from both international and domestic markets.” This strategic focus on expanding the company’s hospitality offerings underscores Alliance Global’s commitment to providing travellers with a diverse range of high-quality accommodations and experiences.

The timing of Alliance Global’s casino and hospitality investments aligns perfectly with the anticipated resurgence of tourism in the Philippines. As the country emerges from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tan and his team recognize the immense potential for a surge in both domestic and international travel. By positioning their assets in prime locations like Boracay and Cebu, they aim to capture a significant share of this burgeoning demand for premium leisure and entertainment options.

Andrew Tan, the visionary behind Alliance Global, is a self-made billionaire with a diverse portfolio of businesses. In addition to his controlling stake in the world’s largest brandy-maker, Emperador, and his listed developer, Megaworld, Tan also holds an interest in the Philippine franchisee of McDonald’s. This diversification has been a key driver of his success.