President says new Solaire Resort North IR to help promote Philippines as tourism destination

The Philippines' newest integrated resort, Solaire Resort North, was inaugurated on Saturday in Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City. Owned and operated by Bloomberry Resorts Corporation (BRC), Solaire Resort North represents a $1 billion investment.

BRC chair and CEO Enrique Razon Jr. noted that the resort is designed to elevate the "entertainment experience" in Quezon City. “We envision Solaire Resort North to be a destination resort of choice with Solaire’s distinct mark of sophistication and uniqueness in its lifestyle offerings,” Razon said.

"We hope to hope to serve the burgeoning tourism demand north of Metro Manila and the nearby provinces enjoying rapid commercial and residential development,” he added.

The resort boasts a 38-story structure with 530 guest rooms, 14 dining options, and various leisure facilities, including gaming levels, a health club, and a kids’ waterpark.

Philippines' President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who attended the opening, highlighted the government's commitment to positioning the Philippines as a destination for tourism, relaxation, and entertainment under the Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) vision.

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation chair Alejandro Tengco stated that the opening marks a new era for both the gaming and tourism sectors. “By raising the bar incredibly high, Solaire Resort North instantly becomes the benchmark upon which future integrated resorts will be measured,” Tengco remarked.

President Marcos, in his speech, emphasized the notable recovery of the Philippine tourism and hospitality industry following the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We have slowly started to witness how hotels, restaurants, recreational amenities and tourist spots have slowly but surely risen to the challenge of travel resurgence, welcoming 5.45 million inbound tourists in 2023. This is more than double the 2.65 million visitors recorded in 2022," he said.

Marcos reiterated the government's goal to showcase the Philippines as "open for tourism, for business," leveraging the Solaire brand to promote the country's unique hospitality. 

"So as we open the doors of Solaire Resort North, let us open the arms to the world, inviting them to experience the warmth and beauty of our country and Solaire Resort North will certainly play a very, very big part in that," he said.

Marcos also highlighted the contributions of the gaming industry to employment and social development. In 2019, the industry employed about 100,000 Filipinos and expanded into sectors such as hotels, retail, cinemas, and dining. Revenues from these ventures support essential government programs, including healthcare, sports development, cultural initiatives, and drug rehabilitation centers.

BRC's Razon expressed optimism that the new resort would boost economic activity in Quezon City by attracting more visitors. The Solaire Resort North aims to serve the growing tourism demand north of Metro Manila and in nearby provinces experiencing rapid commercial and residential development.