MANILA — Newport World Resorts and the Department of Tourism (DOT) have formalized a partnership that positions entertainment as a core pillar of Philippine tourism, advancing a strategy the integrated resort has pursued for more than a decade.

As the country’s pioneer integrated resort, Newport World Resorts has consistently invested in hotels, dining, musical productions, concerts, and Filipino cultural experiences designed to make entertainment a compelling reason to travel. The newly formalized collaboration will translate those strengths into integrated visitor experiences, expanding opportunities for tourism businesses, Filipino artists, and the broader creative economy.

“Entertainment has become one of the strongest reasons travelers choose to visit and return to a destination, and this partnership allows us to bring that experience to more Filipinos and international visitors alike,” said DOT Secretary Maria Bernardita Angara-Mathay. “Through this collaboration, we hope to showcase Filipino talent and creativity as part of what makes the Philippines worth discovering.”

“This is also an opportunity to support our creative economy, from performers to production teams, while integrating these experiences into our broader campaigns to grow tourism nationwide,” she added.

Building Tourism Around Experiences

Under the agreement, the DOT will integrate Newport World Resorts’ offerings into its Love the Philippines and Discover More to Love campaigns, support the promotion of original Filipino productions, and connect with tourism stakeholders in the Philippines and overseas markets.

Newport World Resorts, for its part, will develop integrated stay, dine, and watch packages built around experiential travel, create visitor itineraries centered on Metro Manila, and explore promotional rates and ticket offers. Together, the collaborative efforts aim to turn national tourism campaigns into bookable, ready-to-enjoy experiences for travelers. The partnership’s initial implementation will therefore be reflected through these packages, itineraries, promotional activities, and the promotion of Filipino productions across the DOT’s tourism channels.

“On behalf of Newport World Resorts, we thank the Department of Tourism for this partnership and for recognizing entertainment as a meaningful pillar of Philippine tourism,” said Newport World Resorts President and CEO Nilo Thaddeus Rodriguez. “Guided by our Executive Chairman Kevin L. Tan’s commitment to nation-building, we have always believed that tourism becomes stronger when destinations offer more than access and accommodation. They must offer experiences that give people a deeper reason to visit, stay longer, return, and ultimately, discover more to love about the Philippines.”

A Bigger Stage for Filipino Talent

Live entertainment under the partnership will be anchored by Full House Theater Company (FHTC), Newport World Resorts’ production arm. Its latest production, Bongga Ka, ’Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical, an all-original Filipino production, successfully opened on Sept. 18, 2026, and runs until Oct. 31 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

FHTC will also serve as the production arm of Westside Resort, opening in Entertainment City this year, which will add more theater venues. Both Newport World Resorts and Westside Resort operate under Travellers Group, which is expanding its entertainment footprint as part of a broader push to the Philippines as the ‘Broadway of Asia.’ The additional venues will provide another setting for the group’s live-entertainment activities as the partnership develops.

Newport World Resorts reinforces this vision through the Original Pilipino Performing Arts (OPPA) Foundation, which supports the education of aspiring Filipino performers, and the Academy for Leisure and Tourism, which develops skilled professionals for the hospitality and tourism industries. The company presents both initiatives as strengthening the talent base behind its ‘Broadway of Asia’ ambition.

As part of the campaign push, travelers can get a special discount of 15% off on Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical tickets through the Discover More To Love website www.tourism.gov.ph () using the promo code BKDXDOT. More information about Newport World Resorts is available at www.newportworldresorts.com (), and the resort shares updates as @newportworldresorts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

The report was originally published in BusinessWorld’s Spotlight section, a sponsored channel that allows advertisers to publish their stories on the BusinessWorld website, on Oct. 2, 2026.