Philippine casino developer the Widus Group, owner of Clark Pampanga’s Widus Hotel and Casino, announced the first phase of its expansion project will cost the estimated US$235.2 million (PHP12 billion). The Philippine gambling operator revealed the project’s first phase was planned for the end of this year.
The renowned casino developer confirmed that it intends to rebrand its Widus Hotel and Casino as the Hann Casino Resort. During the first phase of the process, a company spokesperson said, the current Widus Casino would be moved to another location where it will be revamped as the new luxury lifestyle Hann Casino.
Additionally, phase one of the Clark expansion will include another facility, the Swissôtel Hotel and Resorts, which is planned to launch in late 2020. The Widus Group spokesperson revealed that the existing establishment would still contain a single casino under the new brand.
The company does not intend to add casino spaces to the new hotels, although it could potentially reconsider the option of applying for a gaming license for another venue is a new resort, associated with the expansion.
The new Hann Resorts brand, which is intended as a “millionaires’ playground” as described by the Widus Group, will feature two sub-brands of luxury resort destinations, the first one being Clark’s Hann Casino Resort. The second one, the Hann Lux Lifestyle Resort, is to be located in New Clark City in the province of Tarlac.
Both of these sub-brands are intended to enhance visitors’ experience by offering a variety of activities and amenities, including a golf course, gaming, outdoor spaces, and entertainment venues.
Daesik Han, the Chief Executive Officer of the Hann Development Corporation, which is part of the Widus Group, said the new Hann Resorts was planned as a luxury destination that aims to attract international tourists. The CEO expressed his certainty the brand will not disappoint where quality is concerned.
The Widus Group Is Yet to Confirm the Budget for the Project’s Second Phase
The expansion’s second phase will include the Widus Hotel’s revamping and more specifically, the rebranding of its two towers as part of the Mercure Hotel. The project is expected to be completed by 2022. However, the Widus Group is still working on the budget for the expansion’s second stage.
The construction of the Hann Lux Lifestyle Resort will commence in October 2020. The 450-hectare resort will include three championship golf courses with 18 holes each. The courses will be designed by professional golfers and designers, including Nick Faldo and KJ Choi. According to Widus Group’s CEO, the company plans to complete the first golf course by 2022 while the second and third courses are expected to be finished in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
The first phase of Hann Lux Lifestyle Resort will require an investment of PHP5 billion although the exact costs are yet to be confirmed, the spokesperson said. Hann Lux will feature a golf course along with a Banyan Tree Hotel and an Angsana Hotel.
The New Clark City project’s later stage will see the addition of the Westin Hotel under The Luxury Collection branding by Marriott International. With completion planned by 2029, it will include golf courses, a clubhouse, and a public park.
