The Gokongwei Group’s P30-billion investment in NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu, known as the Queen City of the South, is already showing strong returns. This five-star luxury resort has quickly positioned itself among the country’s top-tier establishments.
In just two years since its May 2022 launch, NUSTAR has achieved a notable milestone, ranking sixth among Philippine casinos by gross gaming revenue (GGR). “For a two-year-old establishment, we’re making impressive strides compared to more established hotels in areas like Clark, which have been operating for over a decade,” shared Trevor Hammond, NUSTAR’s Senior Vice President for Gaming and IR Operations.
Based on data from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) and Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) for 2023, the local casino market is currently led by Razon’s Solaire Resort (P61 billion in GGR), with Okada Manila, Newport World Resorts, and City of Dreams following. NUSTAR’s own GGR of P5.5 billion has been acknowledged as “strong,” considering ongoing development at the site.
Looking forward, NUSTAR is already exploring potential expansion opportunities, including a possible location in Clark, though no final decisions have been made. Hammond noted, “Our success here shows we have both the vision and expertise to expand the gaming footprint across the Philippines. We’re definitely open to future opportunities.”
As the first integrated resort in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, NUSTAR has positioned itself as a premier luxury destination outside Metro Manila, drawing a mix of local and international guests, with around 40 percent of foreign visitors coming from Korea.
NUSTAR’s expansion plans include adding an ultra-luxury hotel by year-end and the Grand Summit, another upscale hotel set to open in 2027. Together, these additions will bring the total room count to 958, making NUSTAR the largest hotel complex in Cebu. Last week, the resort also launched its NUSTAR Rewards program, which offers exclusive perks like discounts, priority event access, and more.
Owned by Universal Hotels and Resorts Inc., a Gokongwei Group company, NUSTAR reflects the group’s commitment to developing top-tier gaming and lifestyle destinations across the Philippines.