Solaire Resort North to further boost tourism

MANILA, Philippines — In a further boost to the country’s tourism industry and to business in general, President Marcos yesterday led the inauguration of the Solaire Resort North in Quezon City, the second Solaire-branded leisure and entertainment center.

“It is our mission to let the entire world know that the Philippines is open for tourism, for business. I am certain that Solaire Resort North is with us in our desire to capitalize on this strength to further improve our position in the global hospitality sector,” the President said during the opening of the new high-end resort operated by Bloomberry Resorts Corp. (BRC) led by its chairman and chief executive officer Enrique Razon Jr.

“It is a truly bold and ambitious move that we must take to make the Philippines the perfect destination for tourism, relaxation and entertainment,” Marcos added.

Located on a 1.5-hectare site in Quezon City, Solaire Resort North is the first and only five-star integrated resort serving northern Metro Manila and adjacent provinces, BRC said in a statement.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman Alejandro Tengco, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Mrs. Lizzie Razon were present during the opening of the $1-billion integrated destination resort.

Marcos expressed hope that the stakeholders of the tourism and hospitality sector would continue to work with the government in making each visit to the Philippines a safe, rewarding and memorable experience.

He said the opening of the resort would offer more growth opportunities and make the Philippines’ unique brand of hospitality known worldwide.

“As we open the doors of Solaire Resort North, let us also open our arms to the world, inviting them to experience the warmth and beauty of our country, and Solaire Resorts North will certainly play a very, very big part in that,” he said.

“So, let us show them that we are ready to embrace the opportunities that they offer us, and I am confident the world is also ready to embrace us back.”

Pandemic recovery

Marcos said the tourism and hospitality industry has made an “impressive” recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.  Hotels, restaurants, recreational amenities and tourist spots have “slowly but surely” risen to the challenge of travel resurgence, welcoming 5.45 million inbound tourists last year from 2.65 million visitors in 2022, the President added.

Marcos also cited the contributions of gaming ventures, which he said employed about 100,000 Filipinos in 2019.

He added that Solaire Resort North’s hiring of more than 4,000 employees would boost the country’s economy and empower Filipinos to reach their full potential.

Revenues from gaming ventures, the Chief Executive pointed out, have contributed immensely to the operations of government agencies such as the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., the Philippine Sports Commission and the Dangerous Drugs Board.

“It redounds to the implementation of Universal Health Care, Early Childhood Care and Development Fund, Integrated Sports Development Program, the National Endowment for Culture and Arts and the establishment and operation of adequate drug rehabilitation centers,” Marcos said.

“With this, I am confident that the Solaire Resort North is all set to take these successes even higher,” he added.

Marcos praised the people behind Solaire, saying they have “set an entirely new benchmark for luxury, entertainment, comfort and service.”

In his remarks, Razon said BRC hopes to serve the burgeoning tourism demand north of Metro Manila and the nearby provinces now undergoing rapid commercial and residential development.

“We hope to bolster economic activity in Quezon City by encouraging visitors – both Filipinos and foreigners – to explore and discover the city,” Razon said. 

‘New Dawn’ in Quezon City

BRC, a public company whose subsidiaries own and operate resorts in the Philippines and a hotel and casino in South Korea, said Solaire Resort North “brings a new dawn in Quezon City” and stands as “a testament to innovation and excellence in the Philippines’ thriving tourism landscape.”

“Strategically located along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Metro Manila’s busiest and most important thoroughfare, the new resort is expected to solidify Solaire’s position as a leader in luxury entertainment, while offering an elevated resort experience to clientele in the metropolis’ northern areas,” BRC said.

“As Solaire Resort North opens its doors to the public, BRC solidifies its position as a trailblazer in the hospitality sector, setting a new benchmark for luxury and entertainment in Quezon City,” it added.