Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI), led by President and CEO Kevin Tan, is embarking on a new chapter in its corporate evolution. Through its subsidiary, Travellers International Hotel Group, AGI has announced a substantial investment of nearly $700 million to develop two world-class integrated resorts outside of Manila: Mactan World Resorts in Cebu and Boracay World Resorts in Boracay. These projects signify AGI’s strategic pivot toward untapped markets and high-traffic tourist destinations beyond the increasingly saturated Metro Manila region. As AGI moves forward with these projects, the goal is clear—capitalizing on the unique strengths of the Philippines’ tourism sector while contributing significantly to the country’s regional economies.
Mactan World Resorts: A $400 Million Project in Cebu
AGI’s first integrated resort outside Manila is the highly anticipated Mactan World Resorts, located within the 30-hectare Mactan Newtown township in Cebu. Originally projected as a $300 million venture, the budget has since grown to around $400 million, reflecting the company’s ambition to create a comprehensive leisure destination that will offer more than just gaming and accommodation.
The development of Mactan World Resorts reflects AGI’s confidence in Cebu’s growing tourism market. As one of the Philippines’ most popular tourist destinations, Cebu boasts a thriving cultural scene, rich history, and world-renowned beaches, making it an ideal location for a high-end resort and casino. By 2026, Mactan World Resorts is expected to open its doors, adding to Cebu’s appeal as a prime destination for both local and international tourists.
Luxury Meets Leisure: Key Features of Mactan World Resorts
One of the standout elements of Mactan World Resorts is its blend of luxury accommodations and casino offerings. Tan envisions the development as a gaming and leisure hub, featuring a state-of-the-art casino, high-end hotel, and a variety of amenities that cater to different tourist demographics. This positioning aims to capture a share of the booming tourism market in Cebu, while offering an alternative to the city’s existing hospitality options.
Economically, the project is set to have a substantial impact on Lapu Lapu City and nearby areas. It is expected to generate over 5,000 new jobs, making a significant contribution to the region’s employment landscape. This influx of jobs, both during the construction phase and in the resort’s ongoing operations, will be a key driver of economic growth for Cebu.
Kevin Tan has underscored the role that this development will play in transforming the local tourism industry. Mactan World Resorts aims to set new standards for leisure in Cebu, attracting a mix of affluent travelers and gaming enthusiasts, while boosting the local economy through job creation and increased tourism revenue.
Boracay World Resorts: Merging Natural Beauty with Modern Luxury
While Cebu stands to gain from Mactan World Resorts, AGI’s Boracay World Resorts project promises to elevate Boracay’s already iconic status as one of the world’s most popular island destinations. Located within the 150-hectare Boracay Newcoast township, Boracay World Resorts will be a unique blend of luxury and sustainability, integrating seamlessly into the island’s breathtaking natural environment.
Boracay, with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, is no stranger to high tourism traffic. However, AGI’s new project will provide a fresh and sophisticated option for visitors. The resort will feature a combination of free-standing villas and hotel suites, catering to high-end tourists who seek both exclusivity and luxury.
Boracay World Resorts: A Resort Like No Other
AGI is set to create a unique resort experience in Boracay, one that capitalizes on the island’s natural charm while offering modern, world-class amenities. Boracay World Resorts will be the only resort on the island to boast its own 18-hole golf course, which is part of the larger Boracay Newcoast township. Additionally, the resort’s guests will have access to a 1-kilometer stretch of private beach, providing an unparalleled experience for travelers seeking privacy and tranquility.
Kevin Tan has emphasized that Boracay World Resorts will not be a sprawling mega-development but rather a carefully planned project that fits the market’s needs. This approach aligns with AGI’s broader commitment to sustainable development, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas like Boracay. Given the island’s recent rehabilitation efforts, AGI is likely to be mindful of maintaining Boracay’s ecological balance while introducing new luxury offerings.
With Boracay already a top-tier tourist destination, the addition of this new integrated resort will likely further boost the island’s allure. This project, while focused on delivering a luxury experience, will also contribute to the island’s economy by providing employment opportunities and attracting a new demographic of high-end tourists.
Shifting Away from a Saturated Manila Market
AGI’s decision to expand beyond Metro Manila reflects a calculated response to the increasing saturation of the capital’s integrated resort market. The gaming and hospitality sectors in Manila are already crowded with competitors, and while the city remains a vital part of AGI’s portfolio, Tan has been clear that the real opportunity lies in the regions.
Cebu and Boracay are the first two destinations outside of Metro Manila to benefit from AGI’s expansion plans. Tan’s strategy is to leverage the group’s extensive landholdings across prime tourist destinations in the Philippines, which will allow AGI to develop integrated resorts that cater to diverse markets while minimizing the risks of over-investment in one area.
Kevin Tan has also noted the fierce competition within other regions, such as Clark, Pampanga, where several integrated resorts have already established a strong foothold. However, beyond Clark, the rest of the Philippines remains largely untapped in terms of large-scale resort development. By focusing on high-traffic, high-potential areas like Cebu and Boracay, AGI aims to get ahead of the curve in these emerging markets.
Regional Economic Benefits: Job Creation and Infrastructure Development
Both the Mactan and Boracay resort projects are expected to play a significant role in the economic development of their respective regions. One of the most immediate benefits will be job creation, with thousands of new positions opening up during the construction and operation phases of the resorts.
For Cebu, Mactan World Resorts is expected to provide over 5,000 jobs, a figure that will significantly boost employment in Lapu Lapu City. These jobs will range from construction and management roles to hospitality and gaming positions, providing a wide array of opportunities for local residents.
Similarly, while exact job numbers for Boracay World Resorts have not been disclosed, the scale of the project suggests that it will create thousands of new jobs on the island. Given Boracay’s reliance on tourism, the influx of employment opportunities will help stabilize and diversify the local economy, particularly in the post-pandemic era when tourism continues to recover.
Tourism Growth and Economic Development
Beyond job creation, the opening of these two integrated resorts is expected to drive significant growth in regional tourism. Mactan and Boracay are already popular tourist destinations, but AGI’s developments will add a new dimension to their hospitality offerings. By providing a mix of luxury accommodations, casinos, and leisure facilities, these resorts are designed to attract a broad spectrum of tourists, including high-end international travelers.
This influx of tourists will, in turn, benefit local businesses and boost the economies of both Cebu and Boracay. As more visitors arrive, local industries such as retail, food and beverage, transportation, and entertainment will see a rise in demand, further stimulating regional economic growth.
AGI’s investments are also expected to enhance local infrastructure, as the company works closely with local governments to ensure that roads, utilities, and other essential services can support the influx of tourists and employees. The long-term benefits of these developments are not just limited to tourism but will extend to improving the overall quality of life for residents in both Cebu and Boracay.
Looking Ahead: AGI’s Vision for the Future
As AGI moves forward with its Mactan and Boracay projects, the company’s long-term vision is to continue expanding its footprint across the Philippines. Kevin Tan has hinted at future projects in other high-potential areas, including destinations like Davao, Palawan, and Bohol. These regions, while not yet fully developed in terms of tourism infrastructure, represent prime opportunities for future integrated resorts.
Tan has also emphasized AGI’s commitment to sustainable development. In environmentally sensitive areas like Boracay and Palawan, the company will likely adopt practices that minimize the ecological impact of its projects, ensuring that natural resources are preserved even as tourism infrastructure is expanded.
With nearly $700 million invested in the development of Mactan World Resorts and Boracay World Resorts, Alliance Global Group is setting the stage for a new era of luxury tourism in the Philippines. These projects reflect the company’s forward-thinking strategy of expanding into untapped markets while capitalizing on the country’s rich natural beauty and growing tourism sector.
By 2026, Cebu and Boracay will see the fruits of AGI’s ambitious vision, with integrated resorts that not only cater to the needs of tourists but also serve as engines for local economic development. Through these investments, AGI is not only reinforcing its leadership in the Philippine hospitality and gaming sectors but also contributing to the long-term growth of the country’s regional economies.