The Gokongwei Group has already seen strong returns from its P30-billion investment in NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu. This five-star luxury resort quickly positioned itself among the top-tier casino destinations in the Philippines.
In just two years since its launch in May 2022, NUSTAR reached a major milestone. It ranked sixth among all Philippine casinos in terms of gross gaming revenue (GGR). This ranking represents a significant achievement for such a young operation. Trevor Hammond, NUSTAR’s Senior Vice President for Gaming and Integrated Resort Operations, shared his excitement. “For a two-year-old establishment, we’re making impressive strides compared to more established hotels in areas like Clark,” he said. Clark hotels, by comparison, have been operating for over a decade.
According to 2023 data from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Inside Asian Gaming (IAG), the local casino market remains dominated by Razon’s Solaire Resort. Solaire posted P61 billion in GGR. Okada Manila, Newport World Resorts, and City of Dreams followed close behind. In comparison, NUSTAR recorded P5.5 billion in GGR, which industry observers consider strong—especially as development at the site continues.
Looking ahead, NUSTAR has already started exploring possible expansion opportunities. These include a potential new location in Clark, although executives have yet to finalize any plans. Hammond emphasized the team’s vision for growth. “Our success here shows we have both the vision and expertise to expand the gaming footprint across the Philippines,” he said. “We’re definitely open to future opportunities.”
As the first integrated resort in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, NUSTAR has cemented its place as a premier luxury destination outside Metro Manila. The property continues to attract both local and international visitors. Notably, around 40 percent of its foreign guests currently come from South Korea.
To further elevate its offerings, NUSTAR plans to launch an ultra-luxury hotel by the end of the year. The Grand Summit, another upscale addition, will follow in 2027. Combined, these new developments will raise the resort’s total room count to 958. As a result, NUSTAR will become the largest hotel complex in Cebu.
Just last week, the resort also introduced its new NUSTAR Rewards program. This loyalty initiative provides exclusive perks, including dining and retail discounts, priority access to special events, and more.
Universal Hotels and Resorts Inc., a company under the Gokongwei Group, owns and operates NUSTAR. Through this resort, the Gokongwei Group continues to show its deep commitment to building world-class gaming and lifestyle destinations across the country.
