MANILA, Philippines — Travellers International Hotel Group has officially reclaimed the reins of the long-delayed Westside City integrated resort project in Parañaque, a move that comes after months of financial turbulence and reputational setbacks faced by its former partner, LET Group Holdings. The takeover marks a turning point for one of Entertainment City’s most ambitious projects, valued at over $1.2 billion, and signals a reset for a development once at risk of stalling.
A Resort with Big Ambitions
Westside City was originally billed as the “fourth jewel” of Manila’s Entertainment City, set to join Okada Manila, Solaire Resort & Casino, and City of Dreams as a flagship integrated resort.
The project includes:
- A large-scale casino with hundreds of gaming tables and slot machines.
- A luxury hotel tower offering 450 rooms.
- A cultural district featuring a grand opera house and state-of-the-art theaters.
- Cinemas, spas, wellness facilities, and convention spaces designed to lure both domestic and international visitors.
In total, the resort was meant to elevate the Philippines’ entertainment and tourism profile while creating thousands of jobs. But as deadlines slipped, optimism gave way to frustration.
LET Group’s Troubles Cast a Shadow
At the heart of the delays was LET Group Holdings, parent company of Suntrust Resort Holdings, which had been steering the development.
The company has faced mounting challenges since Alvin Chau, its former chairman and founder of Suncity Group, was sentenced in 2023 for illegal gambling activities in Macau. That conviction sent shockwaves through Asia’s gaming sector and left LET grappling with reputational damage.
Compounding matters, LET struggled financially. Credit rating agencies flagged its liquidity risks, and by mid-2025, the company faced the threat of being delisted from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Capital-raising efforts stalled, regulatory scrutiny intensified, and investor confidence dwindled.
As a result, Suntrust repeatedly missed construction milestones, with earlier targets of 2024 and 2025 completion proving impossible. What was once a symbol of Manila’s rising casino profile began looking like a stranded investment.
Travellers Steps Back Into the Spotlight
In response to these setbacks, Travellers International — operator of Resorts World Manila, now known as Newport World Resorts — stepped in with a “strategic work agreement.” Under the deal, Travellers reclaimed development rights and operational leadership of Westside City, effectively taking over responsibilities from Suntrust.
Suntrust, now a reduced stakeholder, retains a smaller economic interest in the resort, but the heavy lifting has shifted firmly back to Travellers.
For the Tan-led group, the decision is framed as both a safeguard and an opportunity: a chance to stabilize a project with immense potential while securing greater control of the outcome.
“This agreement ensures the project’s continuity and preserves the vision of Westside City as a world-class entertainment destination,” Travellers said in a statement, stressing its commitment to complete construction despite the delays.
Delay Extends to 2026
With Travellers at the helm, the project’s new target completion is set for the third quarter of 2026. That’s almost a year later than the already-revised December 2025 date, but analysts say the change reflects a pragmatic timeline given the scale of adjustments needed.
For Manila’s casino market, the delay carries consequences. By 2026, Entertainment City’s rivals will have expanded their offerings, and new regional competitors — particularly Japan’s Osaka IR and integrated resorts in the UAE — are expected to attract global attention.
Still, industry watchers note that the Philippines has proven resilient as a gaming hub, while the likes of operators BingoPlus, S5 Casino, and more, serve as a buffer. Travellers’ move may allow Westside City to enter the market on firmer footing, even if later than planned.
What It Means for Stakeholders
The takeover has mixed implications for stakeholders:
- Investors now place their bets on Travellers’ proven track record in Manila’s casino sector, but also face higher exposure given the scale of investment.
- Local workers and suppliers see renewed hope, as stalled timelines had dampened hiring prospects and contracts.
- Regulators at PAGCOR are watching closely, keen to ensure that delays do not undercut Entertainment City’s global standing.
What’s Next for Travellers International?
Travellers International now shoulders the burden of steering Westside City to completion, balancing aggressive construction with financial prudence. For the Philippines, the project remains more than just another casino — it represents a cultural, tourism, and economic driver, intended to solidify Manila’s reputation on the global stage.
While LET Group’s troubles cast doubt on its future role, Travellers has effectively turned crisis into opportunity. By stepping into the vacuum, it not only secures the project’s survival but also reshapes the power dynamics of Entertainment City.
If Westside City opens in 2026 as envisioned, the resort will stand as a case study in corporate resilience: a project nearly derailed by scandal and instability, revived by a local operator willing to take control when it mattered most.
