The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) is planning to create a new “tourist cluster” that will include a casino and other entertainment facilities to boost tourism to the northern Philippines province.
According to a report in the Manila Bulletin, an unidentified Taiwanese company has expressed an interest in developing an area of tourist attractions spearheaded by a casino complex and boasting hotels and villas, golf courses, a water theme park, duty free shopping and horse riding.
“Cagayan already has a natural beauty that is hard to resist. What we need is to show that the Freeport can be an investment jewel in Southeast and East Asia,” said CEZA Administrator and CEO Raul L Lambino.
“We are now revisiting the Freeport’s master plan to update it with the changing time. Our medium-term development is to be centered on building the conducive environment for investors to locate their businesses at the Freeport.”
The new tourist area would likely be built on Palaui Island but could also include nearby Fuga Island off the Cagayan coast. Palaui, which was the backdrop for the 27th season of Survivor, is renowned for its tropical climate and long white beaches.