Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI) hopes business at its Okada Manila integrated resort will close 2022 on a high note on the back of relaxed mobility restrictions and the growing demand for gaming and recreation.
For the first nine months of 2022, Okada Manila recorded a 355-percent surge in foot traffic versus the same period the year prior, driven largely by the steady influx of foreign and local guests.
“We at Okada Manila are seeing green shoots of recovery from when the pandemic struck the Philippines in 2020. Through the collaboration of our employees and leaders, Okada Manila was able to record more than two folds growth in our monthly foot traffic,” TRLEI President Byron Yip said.
He added that, “With the revitalization of the travel, hospitality, gaming, and entertainment sectors we are optimistic that we will continue to ride on a growth momentum and end 2022 on a positive note.”
TRLEI Chief Finance Officer and Treasurer Hans Van Der Sande said that, although there are restrictions on the resumption of China-based junkets, the Philippines is also getting visitors from South Korea and other Southeast Asian countries.
“In addition to that, November, December, January is always the best for every casino every year, except maybe (during a Covid lockdown). And part of that is because the Christmas holidays are such an important period here,” he noted.
Van Der Sande added that, “As you get to the real Christmas period, people start taking longer vacations and a lot of “balikbayan” (overseas Filipinos) come back at the end of the year.”
To meet the rising demand for its services, Okada Manila has expanded its retail business, revamped some of its restaurants, and opened a new VIP club.
For gaming, in addition to having the largest, most dynamic gaming floor in the country, Okada Manila recently opened the Perlas VIP club for its discerning patrons.
It has also opened more of its function halls, namely the Executive Lounge and the Glass Ballroom, for face-to-face events, and has reopened The Fountain, its iconic multicolored water feature.
“We at Okada Manila are optimistic about these new developments. It is our goal to be the premier integrated resort not just in the Philippines, but in Asia. We’re looking forward to working with all our stakeholders towards a stronger end-of-year as we welcome 2023,” Yip said.