Travellers International Assumes Control of Manila Bay’s $1.3 Billion Westside City Casino Project

Major Shift in Manila Bay Casino Development

Billionaire Andrew Tan’s Travellers International Hotel Group is set to take the reins of a high-profile $1.3 billion casino resort development in Manila Bay. The project, which was originally spearheaded by their partner Suntrust Resort, is facing delays, leading to this strategic transfer of control.

The Strategic Partnership Transition

Suntrust Resort, indirectly linked to Hong Kong-listed LET Group, has announced its intent to form a “strategic working agreement” with Travellers International. This collaboration aims to fast-track the completion of the Westside City integrated resort situated within the Megaworld-developed township in Manila Bay’s entertainment district.

Under the proposed deal, Suntrust will retain a 20% indirect interest in Entertainment City Resorts, the entity owning and leasing the property. Meanwhile, Travellers International will hold the majority stake and take over operational leadership.

Project Delays and Revised Timelines

The Westside City casino complex was initially slated to open by December of the current year. However, due to ongoing construction hurdles since the project kickoff in 2019, the launch has been postponed to the third quarter of 2026.

Who’s Who: Ownership and Stakeholders

Suntrust Resort is primarily controlled by Fortune Noble, which is in turn owned by LET Group, formerly known as Suncity Group. Megaworld, Andrew Tan’s real estate firm responsible for Westside City Township, owns a significant 34% share in Suntrust.

Travellers International is not new to the casino scene, already managing the Newport World Resorts—a vast casino complex located adjacent to Manila’s major international gateway, Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Entertainment City: Manila’s Casino Hub

Westside Integrated Resort will become the fourth casino in Entertainment City, an expansive 800-hectare waterfront district aiming to rival major gambling hubs like Macau and Singapore. The area already hosts three prominent casino resorts:

• Solaire Resort, operated by billionaire Enrique Razon Jr.
• City of Dreams Manila, owned by tycoon Lawrence Ho
• Okada Manila, run by Universal Entertainment from Tokyo

What the Westside Integrated Resort Offers

The new resort combines luxury and entertainment with the following features:

Background of Key Players

The LET Group, controlled by gaming entrepreneur Andrew Lo Kai Bong, became the beneficiary of a takeover of the former Suncity Group in mid-2022 and has betting interests extending beyond the Philippines to Russian casino ventures via its Summit Ascent unit.

Meanwhile, Andrew Tan himself boasts a diverse portfolio beyond gaming. His conglomerate, Alliance Global, builds its empire through real estate, beverage giant Emperador—a world leader in brandy production—and the Philippine franchise rights for McDonald’s.

Implications for Travel and Transfers

The development of Westside Integrated Resort in Manila’s Entertainment City signals an uptick in visitor traffic to the area. With this flourishing entertainment hub located near major city transport nodes, including Ninoy Aquino Airport, demand for reliable airport transfers and local taxi services is likely to increase.

Travelers booking rides around Manila could benefit from platforms like LocalsRide.com, which fosters transparency by allowing users to pick specific vehicles, review driver ratings, and see comprehensive info on car models. This can make airport pickups and city transfers smoother and more reliable, especially in bustling districts attracting high volumes of tourists and gamblers alike.

Summary of the Westside City Casino Project

Final Thoughts on the Development

This notable shift in project management underlines the challenges and dynamic nature of large-scale integrated resort developments. While the delays might inconvenience some, the involvement of Travellers International—with its solid track record in casino operations—promises focused momentum toward completion.

The growing casino cluster in Manila’s Entertainment City continues to boost the local tourism landscape. For travelers, this development increases the need for quality taxi and transfer services around the city and airport, where reliable transportation is crucial to ensuring seamless access to entertainment hotspots.

Your Transfer Experience Counts

Even the best reviews can’t beat firsthand experience. Platforms like LocalsRide empower travelers to hire cars with drivers from trusted providers at fair fares. This lets you make informed decisions without the worry of unexpected costs or poor service. The extensive vehicle selection and additional options cater to all preferences, enhancing convenience and affordability for airport pickups or transfers to this buzzing Manila entertainment precinct. Obțineți cele mai bune oferte LocalsRide.com.

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While the global impact of this project might seem limited in the broader map of tourism hotspots, it holds significant weight locally and regionally. Manila’s Entertainment City continues to grow as a formidable leisure and gaming destination. As developments progress, it will shape travel patterns and transportation demand in the area.

LocalsRide keeps a keen eye on these developments, ensuring travelers have access to up-to-date, transparent, and convenient transfer options worldwide. Start planning your next Manila trip or entertainment getaway today and secure your transfer through LocalsRide’s user-friendly platform.

Concluzie

The $1.3 billion Westside City integrated resort represents a major milestone in Manila’s burgeoning Entertainment City district. With Travellers International now leading the project, there is renewed focus on completion despite previous delays.

This expansion not only enhances the casino offerings competing on a regional scale but also improves the city’s appeal as a tourism destination. For travelers, integrated resorts like this increase the demand for efficient transfers linking the airport, city, and leisure destinations.

Services provided by platforms like LocalsRide.com are invaluable in this context, granting access to detailed vehicle info, driver credentials, and competitive prices, which contribute to a better travel experience overall. Whether booking airport rides or navigating Manila’s city streets, transparency and convenience remain key.

In the end, as entertainment and travel intertwine, understanding these developments helps both locals and visitors alike make informed choices and enjoy every seat of their journey from the airport to the casino floor.