NUSTAR Resort & Casino in Cebu is progressing with its ramp-up phase, supported by additional hotel capacity, new entertainment facilities, and development of the surrounding precinct.
That is according to the property’s chief operating officer (COO) Sean Knights, who said the property’s operations progress had broadly met expectations, despite disruptions from natural calamities that had knock-on effects for the construction work.
“If you’d asked me in September, I’d have said that we were on the right path,” he told GGRAsia. “Then we had the natural calamities – an earthquake and then a typhoon. Whilst it impacted the business as a whole for about two months, it probably had a more lingering impact in terms of the delivery of the construction under way at the time.”
Cebu experienced an earthquake and two strong typhoons in the latter part of 2025. The 6.9-magnitude tremor in September damaged homes, public infrastructure, and essential services across the island.
Despite that, Mr Knights added that the NUSTAR project remained on schedule. “The progress that we’ve made so far has been very good,” the COO stated.
The executive noted that contractor availability remained a key challenge in Cebu, particularly for specialised hotel construction work. The relatively small local market meant developers often relied on contractors from Manila or overseas, he explained.
Supply-chain constraints were also emerging. “We’re encountering now supply chain issues with goods coming out of China, as demand for Chinese goods globally is increasing,” Mr Knights said.
The resort currently offers circa 600 rooms, with plans to expand to nearly 1,000 rooms following completion of a third accommodation tower. The casino floor at the property features 180 gaming tables and 830 slot machines.
Mr Knights said that the new Grand Summit tower is scheduled for launch in May or June next year, although timelines could shift depending on supply chain conditions. The new hotel will cater to meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) travellers.
Another key addition to the complex will be a 1,700-seat theatre, which the company aims to launch by the end of 2027. The executive described the venue as a first for Cebu, capable of hosting productions of equal quality to New York City’s Broadway theatre district.
“It’s a unique proposition, something that this market hasn’t had previously,” he stated, adding that the theatre would help broaden the overall appeal of the destination.
Premium segment target
Mr Knights said the expansion strategy remained aligned with NUSTAR’s market positioning: high-end accommodation, dining and retail.
“The complex, from the hotel to the mall, reflects the luxury nature of what NUSTAR offers,” he stated, noting that while the retail offering targeted the premium segment, it also catered to a broader customer base.
Joanna Fajardo-Salazar, senior marketing manager for The Mall at NUSTAR, said the shopping facilities at the venue were built to appeal to a wide range of customers.
The mall’s ground floor features international designer brands and premium boutiques, though the facility also aims to blend lifestyle and accessibility, via spacious layouts and modern architecture, “making it appealing to both high-end clientele and everyday visitors,” she said.
The goal was for NUSTAR Resort & Casino to be “the number one IR [integrated resort] outside of Manila, and I think that’s very much achievable,” Mr Knights added. “In five years, the property will be complete, with everything well established.”
The COO additionally confirmed that earlier plans for a water park-style attraction had been shelved due to space constraints. Instead, the company is planning to develop a leisure-centred rooftop area at the Fili hotel, including multiple pools, cabanas, food-and-drink outlets and family-focused amenities such as mini golf.
“We’ve pivoted to what we could provide… something that blends entertainment with that pool lifestyle, to create a destination where you can spend the day,” he said.
Mr Knights added that the continued rollout of facilities and amenities would support the property’s gradual ramp-up and strengthen its position in the Cebu market.
He also mentioned that the broader South Road Properties (SRP) precinct in Cebu, where the NUSTAR complex is located, was also expected to develop significantly during that period, with additional retail, residential and commercial projects planned in the area.
“I think this SRP precinct as a whole will have changed dramatically,” Mr Knights said, noting that increased activity in the area would help drive visitor numbers and create further opportunities for the property.
* Disclosure: The GGRAsia reporter was a guest of the NUSTAR Resort & Casino.
