PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco discusses the role of integrated resort casinos in the country’s tourism and hospitality sector’s post-pandemic recovery at the Exceed Hospitality 2025 forum at SMX Aura in Taguig City on October 24.
Integrated resorts have become the cornerstone of the Philippines’ post-pandemic tourism and economic revival, according to Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.
Speaking before business leaders, tourism stakeholders, and government officials at the Exceed Hospitality 2025 forum at SMX Aura in Taguig City, Tengco said integrated resorts have transformed into “dynamic lifestyle and business hubs” that are redefining the country’s hospitality and entertainment landscape.
“Gaming, entertainment, and hospitality are not separate worlds but interconnected forces that drive growth, create jobs, and enrich the tourism experience,” Tengco said, addressing members of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.
Citing industry data, Tengco reported that the gaming and entertainment sector continues to rebound strongly, with gross gaming revenues soaring from US$3.75 billion in 2022 to US$6.5 billion in 2024—a remarkable 75 percent surge in just two years.
He said PAGCOR has been taking concrete steps to ensure this growth remains sustainable and inclusive by modernizing its regulatory framework, strengthening oversight, and promoting responsible gaming practices.
To protect both the public and legitimate operators, PAGCOR has launched a nationwide campaign against illegal gambling, imposed stricter guidelines on gaming-related advertisements, and prohibited gambling promotions in public spaces and during primetime viewing hours.
“At PAGCOR, responsible gaming is not just a slogan but a commitment—to protect the vulnerable, uphold transparency, and preserve public trust,” Tengco emphasized.
Tengco also urged tourism and gaming stakeholders to align with the twin forces shaping the future of hospitality: digital transformation and sustainability.
“The future of hospitality is being reshaped by technology and sustainability,” he said. “We must ensure that every guest experience also contributes to local well-being.”
Looking ahead, Tengco affirmed PAGCOR’s dual role as both regulator and catalyst for responsible growth.
“Our collective success depends on finding balance between progress and preservation, profit and purpose,” he said. “Together, we can build destinations that are not only profitable but also meaningful and inspiring.”