The Philippine government has announced that it is investing USD 131.5 million to upgrade 15 airports nationwide. The investment was confirmed by Luis Campos Jr, vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee, when he reported to the Philippine News Agency.
Federal aid is expected to be used to construct, rehabilitate, and improve runways, taxiways, ramps, control towers, and passenger terminals and purchase new navigational equipment. Campos stated, “We are counting on these upgrades to enhance the overall air travel experience for passengers, attract more tourists, support the growth of small businesses, and create new jobs.”
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is about 4 kilometers from Entertainment City (E-city). NAIA is led by San Miguel Corp, which took over operations in September of 2024 and has started revamping the main gateway for travelers.
Tourism In The Philippines
Tourism in the Philippines did not reach its targeted potential in 2024, with only 5.4 million foreign tourists visiting the country. The Secretary of Tourism, Christina Frasco, stated in December of last year that 2024 had been an “exceptional” year for the tourism industry regarding tourism reception. However, they fell short of their target goal of 7.7 million tourists.
While 7.7 million was considered an ambitious target, given the travel industry’s cool down since the COVID-19 pandemic, Frasco remains optimistic for 2025. The Philippines offers foreign tourists access to casino gaming facilities integrated with resorts, international entertainment opportunities, and luxury hotel amenities. Many tourists often venture outside Manila’s capital city to experience the numerous beaches, volcanos, and delicious food.
Manila Casinos
As stated above, Entertainment City is just 4 km from the Manila airport. Known as the entertainment district of Manila, E-city hosts 4 mega casinos: Solaire Resort & Casino, City of Dreams Manila, Okada Manila, and Westside City Resorts World. These brick-and-mortar casinos are some of the biggest in the country and offer the most entertainment options.
Other local casino options include metro Manila casinos, primarily located near the Manila Bay area and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Popular metro casinos include the government-owned Casino Filipino locations, and Resorts World Manila.
Are Online Casinos Legal In The Philippines?
Yes, Philippine gambling laws allow offshore and domestic online casinos to operate in the country if they have proper licensing. For most tourists, PH online casinos from offshore online gambling sites offer more convenience with more currency options, bigger bonuses, and their general acceptance worldwide.