President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday said the government is committed to elevating the Philippines as the premier destination for tourism, relaxation, and entertainment, in line with the Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) vision.

In his speech during the inauguration of the Solaire Resort North in Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City, Marcos highlighted that the Philippine tourism and hospitality industry has made an “impressive recovery” after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have slowly started to witness how hotels, restaurants, recreational amenities and tourist spots have slowly but surely risen to the challenge of travel resurgence, welcoming 5.45 million inbound tourists in 2023. This is more than double the 2.65 million visitors recorded in 2022,” Marcos said.

Marcos said it is the government’s goal to “let the entire world know that the Philippines is open for tourism, for business” following its pandemic recovery.

He said the Solaire brand, which is owned and operated by Bloomberry Resorts Corporation (BRC), will help make the Philippines’ “unique brand of hospitality” known worldwide.

“I am certain that Solaire Resort North is with us in our desire to capitalize in this strength further to improve our position in the global hospitality sector. It is truly a bold and ambitious move to make the Philippines the perfect destination for tourism, relaxation and entertainment,” Marcos said.

“I hope that you all would continue to work with us in making each visit to us a safe, rewarding, and memorable experience. Help us in making this goal the center of efforts in building a Bagong Pilipinas that we dream of,” he added.

Marcos said the Solaire brand has redefined the resort stay experience here in the Philippines by setting a “new benchmark” for luxury, entertainment, comfort and service.

“Its first development, the Solaire Resort Entertainment City, already set the standard for quality and innovation in providing tourism and hospitality services to its guests from around the country and all over the world,” he said, referring to the first branch in Parañaque City.

He said its second integrated resort, Solaire Resort North, will further raise the country’s image on the international stage.

“So as we open the doors of Solaire Resort North, let us open the arms to the world, inviting them to experience the warmth and beauty of our country and Solaire Resort North will certainly play a very, very big part in that. Let us show them that we are ready to embrace the opportunities they offer to us and I am confident the world is also ready to embrace us back,” he said.

The President said the gaming industry has provided jobs to Filipinos and contributed to social development, employing about 100,000 Filipinos in 2019, supporting various roles in casino operations.

The industry also expanded into crucial sectors, such as hotels, retail centers, movie theaters, and dining establishments.

Marcos said revenues from these ventures contributed huge funding for the operations of government agencies such as the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission and Dangerous Drugs Board.

“It redounds to the implementation of the universal healthcare, early childhood care and development fund, integrated sports development program, the national endowment for culture and arts, and the establishment and the operation of adequate drug rehabilitation centers,” he said.

BRC chair and chief executive officer Enrique Razon Jr. said Solaire Resort North is a US1 billion investment that is expected to elevate the “entertainment experience” in Quezon City.

Razon expressed hope that the new integrated resort will bolster economic activity in the city by encouraging more local and foreign visitors.

“We envision Solaire Resort North to be a destination resort of choice with Solaire’s distinct mark of sophistication and uniqueness in its lifestyle offerings. We hope to hope to serve the burgeoning tourism demand north of Metro Manila and the nearby provinces enjoying rapid commercial and residential development,” Razon said.

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation chair Alejandro Tengco said the opening of the new resort marks a new era not only for the Philippine gaming history but also for the country’s tourism industry

“We shall all witness its full grandeur and glory as the newest landmark in Quezon City, one that will definitely become a leisure and entertainment destination in this part of Metro Manila,” Tengco said.

“By raising the bar incredibly high, Solaire Resort North instantly becomes the benchmark upon which future integrated resorts will be measured against,” he added.

The 38-story Solaire Resort North has 530 guest rooms, 14 dining options and leisure facilities that include gaming levels, health club and kids’ waterpark.

President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos took a tour of the resort’s facilities following the ribbon-cutting ceremony. (PNA)