Travellers International to Lead Manila’s $1.3 Billion Westside City Casino Project
Alexandra
Major Shift in Manila Bay’s Casino Development
A significant development is underway in Manila Bay’s prominent casino sector, where Travellers International Hotel, under billionaire Andrew Tan’s Alliance Global, is poised to assume control of a $1.3 billion casino resort project. This change comes as a consequence of delays affecting the initial partner, Suntrust Resort.
The Takeover Details
Travellers International, known for operating Newport World Resorts near Ninoy Aquino International Airport, will now hold majority interest in the casino project, previously led by Suntrust Resort, which is indirectly owned by Hong Kong-listed LET Group. The new strategic working agreement allows Suntrust to maintain a 20% indirect stake in the Entertainment City Resorts, which owns the property where the casino is being developed.
Project Timeline and Scale
The Westside City complex, initially targeted for a December 2024 opening, has seen its launch postponed to the third quarter of 2026 due to construction delays first noticed in 2019. This integrated resort development covers a broad scope including a five-star hotel featuring 475 suites, a casino boasting 281 gaming tables and over 1,000 slot machines, a shopping mall, and multiple theaters—with the largest seating approximately 3,000 guests.
📚 You may also like
Context within Manila’s Entertainment City
Situated in the expansive Entertainment City district, a sprawling 800-hectare waterfront township designed to rival leading casino hubs such as Macau and Singapore, the Westside Integrated Resort stands as Manila’s fourth major casino destination. Existing resorts include the marquee properties Solaire, City of Dreams Manila, and Okada Manila, owned by prominent Asian tycoons Enrique Razon Jr., Lawrence Ho, and Tokyo-based Universal Entertainment, respectively.
Ownership and Partnerships
| Company | Ownership | Stake in Project |
|---|---|---|
| Travellers International (Alliance Global) | Billionaire Andrew Tan | Majority interest |
| Suntrust Resort (LET Group / Fortune Noble) | Hong Kong-listed LET Group | 20% indirect stake |
| Megaworld | Real Estate Arm of Andrew Tan | 34% ownership of Suntrust |
Historical and Economic Perspectives
The Philippines’ casino and integrated resort industry has grown as part of a broader entertainment and tourism push in Manila Bay’s Westside City, an area designed to establish the country as a major leisure destination in the Asia-Pacific region. Development in this entertainment district reflects the global trend of combining hospitality, gaming, and retail facilities into one mega complex to attract international visitors and high-rollers.
This move aligns with the historical evolution of casino tourism worldwide, where regions like Macau and Singapore have set benchmarks for economic impact generated by integrated resorts. Manila’s strategic location and sustained investments have positioned it as a rising competitor in this market.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
- Manila Bay’s casino resorts contribute significantly to the local economy through tourism, employment, and gaming revenues.
- The delayed opening until 2026 is expected to shift visitor patterns, but promises a world-class destination that bolsters the Philippines’ position in regional tourism.
- With growing international interest, the completion of the Westside Integrated Resort is likely to spur expanded boating, yachting, and related marine leisure activities, especially given the resort's proximity to Manila Bay.
Westside Integrated Resort: Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Five-star with 475 suites |
| Casino Facilities | 281 gaming tables, 1,000+ slot machines |
| Entertainment | Malls and several theaters, largest seats 3,000 |
| Location | Entertainment City, Manila Bay |
| Projected Opening | Q3 2026 |
The Vision of Andrew Tan and Strategic Partners
Andrew Tan stands among the Philippines’ wealthiest, with diversified interests spanning real estate through Megaworld, beverage brands like Emperador, and fast-food franchises. His strategic drive to rend Westside City into a premier gaming and hospitality cluster reflects profound expertise in both property development and leisure industries. The partnership rebalancing between Travellers International and Suntrust highlights a pragmatic approach to managing large-scale projects amid logistical challenges.
About LET Group and Suntrust
Suntrust Resort, now a minority stakeholder, is controlled by LET Group—owned by gaming entrepreneur Andrew Lo Kai Bong—which gained control over the former Suncity Group in 2022. LET also holds interests beyond the Philippines, including stakes in a Russian casino resort.
Looking Ahead: The Importance of Integrated Resort Growth
Integrated resorts with expansive water, entertainment, and hospitality facilities are transforming tourism landscapes in Asia. Manila Bay’s Westside City is set to add a vibrant chapter in the story of regional gaming tourism, promising to accelerate marine and yachting activities around its shores. Given the resort’s scale and location, it could emerge as a popular destination for tourists seeking not only gaming but also water-based leisure experiences.
Such developments typically contribute to increased demand for yacht charters, boating adventures, and other recreational water activities, enabling visitors to complement casino visits with memorable ocean or gulf excursions.
Summary
The takeover of the $1.3 billion Westside Integrated Resort casino project by Travellers International signals a major shift in Manila’s burgeoning entertainment district, aiming to overcome prior delays and bring a luxury casino experience by 2026. This development is set against the backdrop of Manila Bay’s growing status as a prime destination competing with major Asian gaming hubs. With intricate partnerships, lavish facilities, and expansive entertainment offerings, this project underscores the evolving face of casino tourism and its ripple effect on surrounding marine and leisure activities.
For those interested in exploring destinations where luxury resorts meet breathtaking waterfronts, the expansion of integrated resorts like Westside City will likely enhance opportunities to rent yachts, enjoy boating excursions, and partake in vibrant sea activities. The current momentum augurs exciting prospects for visitors who seek both thrilling gaming and memorable waterborne adventures.
GetBoat.com – an international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts – is closely following this development, offering travelers the best options to rent a boat or yacht to fully experience the scenic marinas, clear waters, and sun-kissed beaches that complement Manila Bay's expanding entertainment and tourism scene.
