Key Moments:
- Suntrust has taken steps to enter a strategic agreement with Travellers International Hotel Group Inc and related firms for the $1.25 billion LETX project in Manila.
- Entertainment City Resorts Corporation (ECRC) is expected to become the new holding company, with TIHGI and its parent, Alliance Global Group, acquiring a controlling interest.
- Suntrust will maintain a 20 percent indirect stake in ECRC, while LET Group Holdings will hold an effective 10.2 percent position in the project after the transaction.
Partnership Structure and Project Overview
Suntrust Resort Holdings, listed in the Philippines, has disclosed its intent to formalize a strategic collaboration with Travellers International Hotel Group Inc (TIHGI) along with Westside City Inc., Westside Bayshore Holding Corporation, and Entertainment City Resorts Corporation (ECRC). This move is structured to accelerate developments in the $1.25 billion LETX hotel and casino initiative, which is part of the expanded Westside Integrated Resort Project located in Entertainment City, Parañaque City, Metro Manila.
The LETX project is scheduled to open in 2026 and is positioned as a world-class integrated resort. The development will feature luxury accommodation, casino operations, a shopping mall, and a theatre complex intended to rival major global entertainment destinations. Key venues such as the Artists Promenade, Grand Opera House, and the Apollo, Bohemia, and Crown theatres have been specially designed to showcase the Philippines’ performing arts, supporting both cultural promotion and tourism growth.
Suntrust Resort Holdings is apparently handing over the reins of the development and operation of its billion-dollar Westside City integrated resort in Entertainment City in Manila. https://t.co/Ok4dDIlOf2
— Asia Gaming Brief (@agbrief) September 1, 2025
| Company | Role in Project | Expected Stake |
|---|---|---|
| Suntrust Resort Holdings | Minority investor (20% indirect interest in ECRC) | 20% |
| LET Group Holdings | Indirect investor via Suntrust | 10.2% |
| TIHGI & Alliance Global Group | Operational control & majority ownership | Controlling stake |
Strategic Realignment and Governance
The agreement under negotiation will designate ECRC as the new project holding company. Through this structure, TIHGI and Alliance Global Group are set to assume control of the project, with TIHGI tasked with overseeing operations when LETX is completed. Suntrust’s minority interest ensures ongoing involvement, while TIHGI brings operational expertise in managing integrated resorts. LET Group Holdings, listed in Hong Kong, will see its exposure reduced to an effective 10.2 percent stake in the overall scheme.
Market Implications and Project Outlook
Industry observers recognize the LETX project as a significant future attraction for both domestic and international tourists. The resort’s combination of luxury hotels, gaming venues, retail offerings, and cultural spaces is anticipated to create employment, drive tourism revenue, and raise the profile of Philippine resorts in the broader Southeast Asian market. As Philippine companies increasingly seek alliances with experienced gaming operators, this partnership echoes the trend of balancing regulatory compliance and operational prowess.
By assigning TIHGI operational management, Suntrust retains an overarching strategic role. The collaborative approach is expected to keep the LETX project on its construction schedule, reinforcing market confidence in the Philippines’ expanding integrated resort industry. The initiative aims to cement Manila’s Entertainment City as a top regional destination for high-value tourism and gaming.
- Author
Daniel Williams
