Resorts World owner sees Philippines bucking Macau's rout

Macau's casinos ended a decade of expansion after posting their first annual revenue drop in 2014, as the Chinese government's anti-corruption campaign spooked high rollers, who account for bulk of the gambling hub's casino receipts.

While Macau may have the wealthy gamblers, Tan said Travellers International Hotel Group is targeting the “regular travelers,” who don’t spend a lot in the casino but still get VIP treatment because “we are very hospitable.”

Tan’s Alliance Global Group Inc (AGI) and Genting Group of Malaysia own Travellers, the operator of Resorts World Manila, the country's first integrated casino resort.

"That traveler market is still growing with so many hotels being built now. In the industry, all of us have been building quite a number of hotels, giving a lot of room and opportunity for more tourists to come," he added.

AGI and Genting are building Bayshore City Resorts World, their second integrated tourism resort that will rise in Entertainment City, envisioned to give Macau and Las Vegas a run for their money.

City of Dreams Manila opened its doors to the public last month, becoming the second casino to commence operations in Entertainment City after Solaire Resort and Casino of ports magnate Enrique Razon. City of Dreams Manila is a joint venture between the Philippines' richest man Henry Sy Sr and Macau-based Melco Crown Entertainment.

Rounding out the licensees of state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor) for Entertainment City is Manila Bay Resorts of Japanese billionaire Kazuo Okada.

"We welcome competition, especially good competition. I think in the long term, it's good for the industry. The Philippines will now become a destination because it has hotel rooms and attractions to attract more tourists," Tan said.