Central Luzon counts on tourism to boost growth
4 min read
First-mover Hann Philippines Inc. strategically positions itself as a key player in Central Luzon with a comprehensive selection of high-value tourism offerings
Asian Aussie Business | Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga | May 30, 2025 – With a new and exciting branding in place, Central Luzon is counting on its unique charm and exciting attractions to boost its tourism revenue, which in turn will help prop up and diversify the region’s rapidly growing economy.
In an event organized by Colliers (NASDAQ, RSX: CIGI) and Hann Resorts, a South Korean-led investment firm and the name behind Hann Casino Resort, the first and only luxury integrated resort in Central Luzon, representatives from key government agencies highlighted the strategy to ensure the growth of Clark Freeport Zone and its surrounding localities.
Tourism is one of Central Luzon’s best attributes, what with its rich cultural and historical heritage and stunning natural attractions, not to mention that it is served by a well-developed network of transport infrastructure that ensures mobility and accessibility.
“Tourism is one of the priority sectors for us in Clark,” said Rodem Perez, Assistant Vice President for Business Enhancement at Clark Development Corporation (CDC). “In fact, the tourism sector, driven by Hann Casino Resort and other major investors in this space, is a significant contributor to revenue, not only through tourism activities and events, but also in terms of government collections from the CDC and other agencies tied to the tourism sector.”
It also helps that the region is supported by a well-developed network of transport infrastructure, chief of which is the globally recognized and awarded Clark International Airport. According to Joseph Pascua Alcazar, President of Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), in 2024 the airport handled around 2.4 million passengers, 65% of which are international travelers and mostly from South Korea.
“Our airport operator, LIPAD (Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corp.), which is a consortium of Filipino companies (JG Summit Holdings, Filinvest Development Corporation, and Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions Inc.) and Singapore’s Changi Airports Philippines Pte. Ltd., projects that the airport will hit around 4 million passengers next year, approaching pre-pandemic levels.” In adition, data show that passenger movement at Clark airport rose 299% year-on-year in 2022 and 160% year-on-year in 2023.
“Pampanga is definitely one site that captures this demand that we’re seeing outside of the capital region. It’s emerging as a hotspot, not just for industrial and logistics, but also for residential and mixed-use developments. The momentum is undeniable,” said Joey Roi Bondoc, Colliers’ Director of Research, during his presentation at the event.
The Hann Resorts experience
One of the first movers in Central Luzon is Hann Casino Resort. Home to the first five-star hotel in the region, Clark Marriott, and the first Swissotel property in the Philippines, Swissotel Clark, Hann Casino Resort offers a total of over 800 room keys and state-of-the-art facilities and unparalleled services. Hann Casino Resort features a grand mass gaming area of 130,000 sqm with 240 tables and 1,137 slot machines, 72 electronic games, and two VIP Clubs for local and foreign members. It is also home to some of Clark’s most acclaimed restaurants, bars, and cafes – a nod to Central Luzon’s rich culinary traditions.
“When people ask about Hann Resorts, we are often boxed into this definition that we are a casino company. We are a hotel chain – probably; a real estate developer – yes,” said Neki Liwanag, Vice President for Real Estate and Property Development at Hann Philippines Inc.
“But while we do build stunning hotels, exciting casinos, and hopefully beautiful estates, the real reason and our true core is actually to create exceptional experiences.”
This is one of the reasons why the company is building another project that will complement Hann Resorts. During her presentation, Ms. Liwanag shared a glimpse of the future Hann Reserve in neighboring New Clark City in Tarlac, about 10 to 15 minutes from Hann Resorts via the Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).
According to Ms. Liwanag, the project is expected to amplify the already considerable economic benefits of Hann’s existing properties in Pampanga by attracting substantial investment and high-value tourism into this new development, with its world-class amenities, including championship golf courses, international luxury hotels, a commercial center with a casino, and exclusive residential offerings, all while emphasizing sustainable development principles.
The site was chosen primarily because of its proximity to Hann Resorts, said Ms. Liwanag. “You can enjoy two different landscapes, two different experiences. Even if you just stay at Hann Casino Resort in Clark Freeport Zone, you want to enjoy a natural escape, so you go to Hann Reserve in New Clark City. Or if you want to enjoy the vibrant life of Clark Freeport Zone, Hann Resorts is just a short drive away from Hann Reserve via SCTEX.
“Both properties actually give that synergy, each is part of an ecosystem that plays a vital role in crafting a comprehensive, unforgettable Hann experience.”
