Casinos in the Philippines to Benefit from Planned Airport Upgrades
The Philippine government will spend approximately PHP7.70 billion (US$131.5 million) to upgrade 15 airports across the nation as part of the Aviation Infrastructure Program under the 2025 budget. According to House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Luis Campos Jr., the funds will be used to enhance various aspects of aviation infrastructure.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The budget includes the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of virtually all facilities at the airports. It will also cover the acquisition of navigational equipment to modernize air travel in the Philippines.
Related: Philippine President Marcos Has High Hopes for Integrated ResortsThe upgrades are expected to attract more tourism, support local businesses and generate new employment opportunities. Campos emphasized that these investments are fully accounted for in the 2025 budget, underscoring the government's commitment to advancing the aviation sector.
The improvements come at a time when the Philippine tourism industry is showing signs of strong recovery. According to the latest government data, international arrivals reached approximately 5.44 million in 2024, an 8.7% increase from the previous year.
Among the projects is the PHP170.6-billion redevelopment of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the primary hub serving Manila. This initiative is being led by New NAIA Infrastructure Corp, a consortium spearheaded by San Miguel Corp (SMC).
The consortium assumed operational control of NAIA in September and has begun extensive upgrades aimed at boosting the airport's capacity and efficiency. The modernized airport is expected to play a critical role in enhancing connectivity and meeting the anticipated influx of tourists.
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Breaking Down the Numbers
Clark International Airport, located north of Manila and serving as the primary gateway to the Clark Freeport Zone, has also seen significant growth. Passenger volume at Clark Airport increased by 20 percent year-on-year in 2024, reaching 2.4 million passengers, with 65% of these travelers being international visitors.
Flight operations also rose by 29% to 19,221 flights, with over half of these being international routes. The airport operator, Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp (LIPAD), credited this growth to strong partnerships with government stakeholders and a commitment to meeting global standards through regular audits and robust passenger feedback systems.
The Clark Freeport Zone has emerged as a burgeoning gaming hub in the Philippines, currently hosting seven casinos, including Hann Casino Resort, Royce Hotel & Casino, and Midori Clark Hotel and Casino. These gaming establishments contribute to the local economy by drawing both domestic and international visitors.
The availability of world-class casino resorts in Clark has bolstered the area's reputation as a leisure destination, complementing the government's broader efforts to boost tourism and regional development.
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