Philippines casino owner and operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp has filed an application with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for a cruise ship port to be built nearby its flagship Solaire Resort & Casino in Manila’s Entertainment City.
The proposed US$308 million development, revealed by the TIEZA this week, would not only include terminal facilities but expanded entertainment facilities such as retail, dining, maritime recreation options and public esplanades.
In a statement, TIEZA said it has forwarded the proposal from Bloomberry subsidiary Sureste Properties Inc to the Office of the President.
“President Duterte expressed no objection to the proposal subject to the compliance of all government required permits and environmental clearances. He made reference in particular to the impact to the environment and his policy of zero tolerance on corruption,” TIEZA said.
“By 2020, the first phase, at US$82 million project cost, will prioritize the main navigation components for the Solaire Cruise Center (SCC) and the construction of the berth for the homeport (which will initially be a port-of-call facility).
“The project shall be applied for designation as a Tourism Enterprise Zone of TIEZA, under which the proponent can avail of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives and pursue other workable expectations.”
Commenting on its proposal, Bloomberry said that the application would require approval from a number of government departments before becoming a reality. It added that “the final configuration and cost of the cruise port project will depend on the technical study that an ECC application will require, the approvals of the regulators and market demands.
“We will make the appropriate disclosure once the cruise port project hurdles those regulatory requirements and approvals.”
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