Galaxy Entertainment Group reported a striking uptick in new visitor numbers at its Macau properties—40 to 50 percent of recent patrons were first‑time visitors. This surge in new clientele was revealed during the Goldman Sachs Asia Leader Conference held on September 3 in Hong Kong, where the operator credited its strategic shift toward immersive non‑gaming attractions for the boost. Core investments in concerts, events, and lifestyle offerings have tapped into previously underserved segments—particularly younger guests and families—broadening Galaxy’s appeal beyond its traditional gaming market.
Sands China has earned a groundbreaking acknowledgment: becoming the first integrated resort (IR) operator in the Asia‑Pacific region—and the first company within Macau’s tourism and service sector—to be certified as a Top Employer by the globally recognized Top Employer Institute, headquartered in Amsterdam. This award recognizes Sands China’s excellence across 18 core human resources areas, including leadership, talent acquisition, workplace environment, and employee recognition—assessed against more than 200 rigorous criteria.
Delta Corp, India’s largest listed gaming and hospitality firm, has placed its ambitious integrated resort‑casino project in Dhargal, North Goa, on indefinite hold. Valued at approximately US $285 million (₹2,000–2,500 crore), the project was slated to open by 2027 and was poised to include hotels, a casino, convention center, multiplex cinema, retail spaces, water park, and other attractions. The halt comes amid mounting uncertainty over a proposed 40% Goods and Services Tax (GST) levy on bets, coupled with retrospective tax claims from government authorities. Delta Corp’s chairman, Jaydev Mody, warned that such taxation would render the sector unviable—jeopardizing thousands of jobs, tourism revenue, and prior investments—and stressed that the project will remain suspended until the GST framework is clarified.
The Philippine tourism rebound is showing signs of fragility, with foreign visitor arrivals falling by 2.8% between January and July 2025 compared to the same period last year. While overseas Filipinos returning home increased by 15.7%—reaching 320,986 deplanements—the total number of visitors from abroad dropped to 3,185,370 from a broader 3,506,356 total entries. The dip, though modest in percentage, highlights persistent challenges in attracting key international markets.
Jason Ader, a former Wall Street hedge fund manager and ex-board member of Las Vegas Sands, once had bold ambitions of bringing Okada Manila—the Philippines’ crown jewel casino resort—to the U.S. stock market. Through his SPAC, 26 Capital Acquisition Corp., Ader announced in 2021 a deal that would value Okada Manila at around US $2.6 billion and list it on the Nasdaq. Investors were promised a lucrative opportunity to ride the growth of one of Asia’s most prominent integrated resorts, with 26 Capital committing its US $275 million trust fund to back the transaction.
Author: Janice Chew • Thursday, 04/09/2025
