Inside Asian Gaming

INSIDE ASIAN GAMING JANUARY 2018 10 LEADING MACAU CONCESSIONAIRE Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) has announced plans to build a US$300 million to US$500 million integrated resort on the island of Boracay in the Philippines. As reported by Bloomberg , GEG Deputy Chairman Francis Lui met with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte in early December to discuss gaming opportunities, with Galaxy in the process of applying for a license alongside its Philippines partner, Leisure & Resorts World Corp. In a media statement, Lui said, “As you know, China’s relationship with the Philippines has been improving. “K Wah Group and Galaxy would GALAXY ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR US$500 MILLION PHILIPPINES RESORT Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands has been revealed as the most Instagrammed hotel in the world. The iconic hotel topped an official list unveiled by Instagram, with the more than one million images uploaded enough to beat out other globally recognized landmarks such as the Bellagio and Venetian in Las Vegas and Dubai’s Atlantis The Palm. Notably, seven of the top 10 hotels were located in Las Vegas, with the Bellagio sitting in second spot ahead of the Venetian, MGM Grand, the Cosmopolitan, Wynn Las Vegas, Caesars Palace and Paris. In a statement, a Marina Bay Sands spokesman said, “We thank our guests and fans for making Marina Bay Sands the most Instagrammed hotel worldwide. We are truly grateful for this phenomenal organic, Marina Bay Sands tops list of world’s most Instagrammed hotels like to play a role in the One Belt One Road initiative and we strongly believe the Philippines has great potential and offers attractive opportunities.” In a separate report, the President of Philippine gaming regulator Pagcor, Alfredo Lim, told Reuters that the new resort could be operational within three years of receiving regulatory approval. “It will further improve our tourism sector,” Lim added. “The project is intended for foreigners, junket operators and high-rollers.” Boracay, an island located in the central Philippines, is one of the country’s top tourist destinations and is famed for its white beaches and turquoise water. ground-up support from guests, celebs, media and influencers alike.” Social media has become a key promotional tool for integrated resorts around the world, with standout features such as The Parisian Macao’s Eiffel Tower providing invaluable marketing opportunities for operators. Galaxy Macau