NUSTAR’s Local Love: Rising from the VIP Ashes
Navigating the Local Casino Scene
NUSTAR Resort & Casino in Cebu is riding the wave of local enthusiasm as it sets its sights on revitalizing its VIP section. According to the ever-enthusiastic Sean Knights, the chief operating officer, they are keeping it homegrown, with local patrons making up a whopping 80% of their visitors. That’s right—Cebu locals are the life of the party, while about 15% of guests are fellow beach lovers from other parts of the Philippines. And let’s not forget the final 5%, who may have exotic passports but still enjoy the local vibe.
The Perfect Balance
Opened in May 2022, this gem adds a splash of flair to Cebu’s tourism scene. With the casino’s clientele divided into a healthy mix of 60% mass play and 40% VIP, it seems NUSTAR knows the secret sauce for success. While the VIPs add a dash of pizzazz, it’s the mass market that really boosts the resort’s profits. Knights mentioned that while junkets can be a bit of a double-edged sword—squeezing margins like a overly ripe mango—they’re still a crucial part of the casino experience.
Room for New Adventures
NUSTAR boasts a staggering 180 gaming tables and 830 slot machines, making your head spin faster than the reels themselves! With the exit of two major junket operators last year, Knights is optimistic about the fresh junket opportunities cropping up. The resort also has two empty junket rooms patiently waiting for their moment to shine, but for now, it seems like they’ve got enough action to keep things lively.
VIPs: The International Crowd
Trevor Hammond, the resort’s senior VP for gaming, reveled in the fact that South Koreans are leading the VIP charge. NUSTAR is working its charm not just locally but also poking into international territories, keeping an eye on travel policies that could open the floodgates for foreign visitors—like the new visa-free entry for Chinese travelers. Who wouldn’t want to soak up some sun in Cebu?
Patience is Key
Knights underscored the importance of patience, as changes in regulations can take a while to kick in. Marketing campaigns are set to launch early, but results may not pop up until mid-year or later. With global situations changing rapidly, it’s all about riding the wave and adapting.
Looking Ahead
South Korea isn’t just a passing amusement; it’s a core supporter of Philippine gaming. As for India, that could be a treasure chest waiting to be unlocked—if only those direct flights get off the ground! NUSTAR is putting on its explorer’s hat, seeking out growth markets and shouldering up to Macau for some collaborative brainstorming.
Future Tech? Maybe Later!
Finally, NUSTAR is eyeing the tech-trendy smart tables. While they’re all the rage for data and gaming integrity, Knights believes that for now, the local gaming volumes don’t justify the cost. But hey, it’s definitely a love letter to the future!
