Looking for junkets
Thunderbird Resorts Philippines is making a play for Chinese VIPs. According to the Philippine Star, the company’s resort operation at Poro Point in San Fernando on Luzon Island has added a second-floor VIP gaming area and increased it gaming floor from 1,500 square meters (16,145 square feet) to 4,000 square meters (43,000 square feet). It now has a total of 28 gaming tables.
Thunderbird Poro Point General Manager Marvin Lanuza told the Star the resort is looking to bring in VIP junket operators who will in turn boost high roller-traffic. “We can bring in junket players straight all the way from China,” Lanuza said. The effort will be helped by plans to reopen the Poro Point San Fernando Airport at the Poro Point Freeport Zone in La Union.
Lanuza said the 67-hectare (165-acre) property will continue to expand. Presently it can accommodate up to 1,000 guests with the addition of 47 new villas, 29 premiere rooms and 25 deluxe rooms. Other new amenities include an 18-hole golf course, a spa, swimming pools and a wellness center.
“With all these facilities, we really want our guests to have the best experience,” Lanuza said. “Our goal is to be the number one resort and casino in the country.”
Outside the Philippines, Thunderbird operates in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, India and Peru, the Star reported.
