SiGMA partners with PAGCOR for second Land-Based Retreat 

Taking place alongside the SiGMA Asia event, and held in partnership with PAGCOR, this exclusive retreat will gather 120 leading land-based gaming operators, creating an unmatched networking and knowledge-sharing experience in the heart of the Asia-Pacific region.

Kangwon Land aims to become a leading IR with expanded non-gaming attractions  

Kangwon Land in South Korea has unveiled ambitious plans to evolve into a world-class integrated resort (IR), positioning itself to compete with global entertainment hubs like Las Vegas. As the only casino in the country accessible to locals, Kangwon Land is focusing on transforming its former mining-region location into a major tourist destination.

Philippines tourism hits 4 million foreign visitors by September 

The Philippines saw a surge in foreign tourist arrivals in the first nine months of 2024, surpassing 4.08 million foreign visitors, marking a 10.4 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Macau visitor arrivals during October Golden Week surpass pre-Covid levels   

Macau welcomed 915,696 visitors during the first six days of the National Day Golden Week holiday, already surpassing pre-pandemic levels with one day left in the week-long holiday.

Philippines’ Robinsons Land commits over €160 million to luxury hotel expansion  

The Gokongwei Group, through its real estate arm Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), is set to make a push into the luxury hospitality market with a PHP10 billion (€160.9 million) investment in new hotel developments.

Thailand IRs could generate $5 billion annually, JP Morgan analysis reveals  

Integrated resorts (IRs) in Bangkok, Thailand have the potential to generate between $2.5 billion and $3 billion annually, with the figure possibly reaching 5 billion, according to a report by JP Morgan. The analysis attributes much of this potential revenue to the influx of foreign tourists.

Macau hotel occupancy returns to near pre-pandemic levels in August  

Macau's hotel industry saw a notable recovery in August 2024, with occupancy rates reaching 91.3 percent, a rise of 2.8 percentage points compared to the previous year. This figure reflects a significant rebound, bringing guest numbers back to 99.7 percent of pre-pandemic levels from August 2019.

MGM Macau’s Kevin Lei on the future of casinos with smart table technology    

In an exclusive interview with SiGMA News, Kevin Lei of MGM Macau discussed the role of smart table technology in the casino industry. In Macau, all six major concessionaires have either adopted or are in the process of rolling out this innovation, reflecting a broader change in how casinos function.

Hyatt to launch first Andaz hotel in Australia  

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced plans to debut its luxury lifestyle brand Andaz in Australia, with the Andaz Gold Coast set to open in mid-2025. According to its press release, the development is part of a new partnership with Destination Gold Coast Consortium, a joint venture between The Star Entertainment Group and Hong Kong-based companies Far East Consortium and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises.

MGM pushes for UAE casino breakthrough

MGM Resorts International has taken a significant step forward in its expansion by formally applying for a casino licence in Abu Dhabi. This move comes as the UAE begins loosening its stance on gambling, with the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) overseeing the process. MGM's CEO Bill Hornbuckle confirmed the submission of the application during the 2024 Skift Global Forum, expressing optimism about MGM’s chances in the region, given its prior experience with similar markets and relationships in the UAE.