Belle Corp., the gaming and high-end leisure unit of SM Investments, is looking at Clark as the Philippines’ next major integrated resort destination amid rising tourism demand and improving infrastructure in Central Luzon.
The company is preparing a USD300-million integrated casino resort in the Clark Special Economic Zone and is currently in talks with potential operators, according to Armin Antonio Raquel-Santos, president and chief executive officer.
“We are looking for an operator in Clark and are in talks with a few,” Raquel-Santos said. He stressed that Clark is not intended to compete with Manila’s Entertainment City, but rather complement it by expanding the country’s tourism and gaming footprint.
“We don’t see Clark as a competitor of Entertainment City. We see it more as a strategic synergy by positioning Central Luzon and Metro Manila as an integrated resort destination in the Philippines,” Requel-Santos said.
The company sees Clark’s strategic location as a key advantage, with access to travelers from Central Luzon and the Northern Corridor, as well as foreign tourists from key Asian markets such as South Korea and China.
Raquel-Santos also cited the Philippine economy’s resilience and steady consumer spending as factors supporting long-term demand for gaming and tourism despite slower growth.
The planned resort aims to capitalize on Clark’s growing connectivity. The property is located minutes from Clark International Airport and near major transport links including the PNR station and SCTEX exit, with plans for direct access to nearby malls and convention centers.
Beyond tourism, the project is expected to generate jobs and stimulate economic activity across hospitality, retail, and related sectors.
“Public-private partnerships are key to realizing Clark’s potential and the country’s potential as a whole,” Raquel-Santos said.
In a May 4 disclosure, Belle said gaming subsidiaries Sinophil Leisure and Resorts Corp. and Foundation Capital Resources Inc., under Premium Leisure Corp., secured approval from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. for a provisional license to develop and operate the integrated resort in Clark.
Belle said the project could launch within two to three years after an operator is finalized. The company expects to earn lease income and a share in gaming revenues once operations begin, while also seeking inclusion as a co-licensee as regulatory review continues.
