Bloomberry Resorts Corp. CEO Enrique Razon Jr. said that he might invest in a new or existing international airport in Manila.
Razon suggested that a new gateway would benefit Bloomberry’s Solaire Resort and Casino, bolstering the number of tourists that visit the Philippines, especially Manila’s Entertainment City gaming zone.
“It really depends on what they are bidding out,” Razon told reporters during Bloomberry’s annual meeting. “We will definitely participate.”
“At this pace, the country is well on its way to become a major global player in the gaming industry,” Razon said in his message to shareholders. “The Philippines could enter the top four gaming destinations in the world in the not too distant future.”
Bloomberry has also kicked off its expansion abroad, mainly in South Korea where it has purchased property within the Incheon Free Economic Zone that will be turned into a leisure and tourism complex.
“The plans for Incheon are due to be submitted end of the month,” said Razon. “Bloomberry is in talks with prospective partners, but no agreement has been finalized.”
The company is also renovating a casino on South Korea’s Jeju Island—the T.H.E Hotel and Vegas Casino, which is expected to reopen this year.
Razon said that it might also invest in Taiwan and Japan should gambling be legalized in these jurisdictions.
“Bloomberry is upbeat about the gaming market not only in the Philippines but also in Asia as more governments take a closer look into the economic potential of the integrated resort and gaming business,” Razon said.
Taiwanese legislators were reportedly eyeing to revive a draft bill that will clear the rules for establishing and managing casinos. However, a Chinese official has warned Taiwan to halt its casino plans or face revocation of trade and transportation privileges with mainland China.
Bloomberry is also monitoring the progress of Japan’s push to legalize casino gaming.
