Billionaire Andrew Tan’s property empire continues to grow, this time with a renewed focus on one of the Philippines’ most promising sectors: tourism. His real estate firm, Megaworld Corp., has announced a new $113 million Megaworld tourism project that will be built in the paradise island of Palawan, a region frequently hailed as one of the most beautiful in the world.

The ambitious development reflects Megaworld’s strategic commitment to diversify beyond residential and commercial properties and into large-scale integrated tourism estates. This new project marks the company’s second major investment in Palawan and is part of a larger blueprint to establish Megaworld as a major player in the hospitality and tourism economy of Southeast Asia.

With this expansion, Megaworld is not only capitalizing on the growing demand for luxury tourism in the Philippines, but also reinforcing Andrew Tan’s long-term vision of sustainable and high-end destination development.

What the $113 Million Megaworld Tourism Project Includes

The newly announced investment will go into building a 462-hectare eco-tourism township in San Vicente, Palawan. This area is relatively underdeveloped compared to El Nido and Coron, offering a clean slate for modern, sustainable tourism development. Megaworld’s blueprint for the site includes:

• World-class beachfront resorts and luxury hotels
• A curated collection of retail spaces for local artisans and premium brands
• Residential villas and condominiums tailored for vacation homes or property investments
• Nature-focused attractions including mangrove parks and eco-trails
• A full-scale harbor and marina to accommodate private yachts and eco-tourism boats

The development is being positioned not just as a destination, but as a self-sustaining tourism township, which combines leisure, residential, and commercial assets in one integrated location.

According to Megaworld, the project will generate thousands of jobs during construction and operations phases, and will help uplift the local economy through tourism, retail, and real estate revenues.

Andrew Tan's Long-Term Bet on Philippine Tourism

Andrew Tan, one of the richest individuals in the Philippines, has built his wealth through diversified holdings in property, liquor, and fast food. But his real estate flagship, Megaworld, has been particularly aggressive in expanding across multiple sectors of property — including business districts, condominiums, malls, and now, tourism estates.

This latest Megaworld tourism project comes after the success of Paragua Coastown, another sustainable estate in Palawan launched in 2022. Tan’s bet on tourism aligns with broader economic trends in the Philippines:

• Tourism as a growth driver: The Department of Tourism reported that tourism contributed over 6 percent to the country’s GDP in 2023 and is expected to rise post-pandemic.
• Growing global interest in the Philippines: More international travelers are seeking eco-friendly, island-based getaways, and Palawan is consistently voted as one of the world’s top travel destinations.
• Underutilized natural resources: Many parts of Palawan remain undeveloped, offering high potential for sustainable luxury projects that blend conservation with tourism.

Tan has repeatedly emphasized that his tourism investments are designed not only to generate revenue, but also to preserve and showcase the Philippines’ natural beauty. That goal is evident in how Megaworld has structured its plans with nature reserves, renewable energy infrastructure, and waste management systems from day one.

Why San Vicente, Palawan?

San Vicente is a strategic choice for this new Megaworld tourism project for several reasons:

1. The Long Beach Advantage: The area is home to the longest white sand beach in the Philippines, stretching over 14 kilometers, making it perfect for luxury resort developments and water-based recreation.
2. Government-backed Infrastructure Push: The Philippine government has included San Vicente in its Build, Better, More infrastructure campaign, which includes airport upgrades and new roads to improve accessibility.
3. Low-density Development: Unlike El Nido or Boracay, San Vicente has not yet faced overdevelopment, making it ideal for controlled, sustainable tourism.
4. Eco-Tourism Potential: The area is rich in biodiversity, marine life, and tropical forests, perfect for eco-conscious travelers and developers with a green agenda.

Megaworld’s development plan includes significant conservation zones and open spaces to retain the ecological integrity of the land. With the help of environmental consultants, the company aims to meet both global ESG standards and local community engagement expectations.

How the Megaworld Tourism Project Reflects Broader Investment Trends

The Philippines is fast becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive tourism investment destinations. With international brands like Marriott, Sheraton, and Banyan Tree entering the market, local developers like Megaworld are seizing the opportunity to compete with world-class offerings that are deeply rooted in Filipino heritage.

This Megaworld tourism project echoes several broader trends:

• Sustainable luxury: Travelers are increasingly seeking eco-conscious, culturally authentic, and luxurious experiences — and are willing to pay a premium for them.
• Integrated townships: Rather than isolated resorts, modern travelers and investors prefer holistic destinations that offer everything from dining and shopping to healthcare and nature.
• Real estate tourism hybrid: Vacation homes, timeshares, and Airbnb-style rentals are blending the lines between tourism and property investment.
• Private-public synergy: Projects like these are often supported by both local government units and national-level tourism boards, creating a friendly climate for long-term investment.

As a publicly listed company, Megaworld also benefits from strong institutional investor confidence. Its track record in completing large-scale mixed-use developments across Metro Manila and other cities gives added weight to its tourism ambitions.

What Lies Ahead for Megaworld and Palawan

The new Megaworld tourism project is expected to break ground in early 2026, with phased construction set over the next 10 years. Early investors are already eyeing opportunities in real estate tied to the project, and Megaworld has hinted at future developments that could include a themed resort village and wellness-focused retreats.

Meanwhile, the company continues to work with the Department of Tourism, local government units, and sustainability experts to ensure compliance, community integration, and long-term environmental viability.

If successful, this project could cement Megaworld’s reputation as not just a real estate powerhouse, but a leading name in luxury sustainable tourism in Asia.

It could also transform San Vicente into the next global beach destination, rivalling Bali, Phuket, and the Maldives — with the unique appeal of Filipino warmth, hospitality, and biodiversity.

Conclusion: Tourism as the Next Frontier

Andrew Tan’s latest venture into Palawan shows that Philippine real estate is evolving rapidly. The Megaworld tourism project is more than just another luxury estate — it’s a long-term bet on the convergence of environmental stewardship, hospitality, and economic development.

For the Philippines, this signals a new chapter in attracting high-value travelers and sustainable investments. For Megaworld, it affirms a bold vision that tourism is not just a sideline but a central engine of growth.

As travel rebounds globally and demand for authentic, eco-friendly experiences grows, Megaworld is well-positioned to ride the wave — with Palawan as its crown jewel.