KUALA LUMPUR: Genting Group's proposed US$1.1 billion (RM3.6 billion) Resorts World Bayshore City (RWBC) in the Philippines will offer at least 1,500 rooms in the initial phase, according to media reports.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer yesterday quoted Resorts World Manila (RWM) executive vice-president Steve Riley as saying that the rooms at RWBC within Pagcor Entertainment City, will be operated by the group's "Genting Grand" and "Crockfords Tower".

Set to open in the fourth quarter of 2018, RWBC will be developed in three phases, with the initial phase covering 12ha of the 31ha property, RWM chief operating officer Riley told reporters at the ground breaking ceremony for the resort.

The first phase of RWBC will have 77,000 sq m of retail space, a 3,000-seater theatre, multiple cinemas as well as gaming space.

The complex will offer condominium towers, conference and exhibition facilities, according to Riley.

The resort is one of the last among the four licensees to open in Pagcor. Riley was quoted as saying that the move would be beneficial to the group as it offers something new other than the existing attractions and will also gain from the current foot traffic.

RWBC seeks to replicate the success of RWM in Newport City. The RWM and RWBC projects are undertaken by Travellers International Hotel Group Inc, which owns 95% of Resorts World Bayshore City Inc (RWBCI), the developer and operator of RWBC.

Travellers International also owns RWM, which opened in 2009 as the Philippines' first integrated casino resort.

It is a joint venture between the Philippines-based Alliance Global Group Inc and Genting Hong Kong Ltd.

Genting Hong Kong is listed in Singapore and Hong Kong.


This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on October 3, 2014.