WINNING | City of Dreams Manila strengthens hospitality workforce

Insider Spotlight

• City of Dreams Manila is investing in employee welfare, professional development and workplace benefits to support service quality
• The integrated resort ranked first in Travel and Leisure and 53rd overall in the Philippines’ Best Employers 2027 study
• More than 4,000 employees benefit from wellness programs, skills training and international career opportunities
  
  
  

City of Dreams Manila is strengthening its hospitality workforce through employee welfare programs, professional development and career opportunities as it seeks to sustain service standards in the Philippines’ competitive tourism and leisure industry.

The integrated resort ranked first in the Travel and Leisure category of the Philippines’ Best Employers 2027 study conducted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and global market research firm Statista. It also placed 53rd overall among 300 companies recognized nationwide.

‘A people business’ 

Employee retention, workplace conditions and skills development are important considerations for hospitality operators, where service quality depends heavily on trained personnel.

The study gathered more than 700,000 employee recommendations from companies employing at least 250 workers. Assessments covered career development, working conditions, employee well-being, diversity and inclusion.

City of Dreams Manila property president Mark Tricano emphasized the relationship between employee welfare and guest satisfaction.

“Hospitality is a people business. When we take care of our colleagues, they thrive personally, their talents flourish and they deliver the exceptional service our guests expect from City of Dreams Manila,” he said in a press statement.

Leadership training 

The resort provides employees with healthcare access, financial protection, two rest days off, unlimited meals and snacks during workdays, dedicated rest lounges and free parking.

Its employee-management council, Ugnayan, also facilitates workplace initiatives, wellness activities and assistance programs for employees and their families.

Meanwhile, learning and development programs offered through parent company Melco Resorts & Entertainment provide leadership training, skills enhancement and opportunities to work at properties in Macao, Cyprus and Sri Lanka.

Mark Tricano 

City of Dreams Manila property president

Community engagement 

The workforce initiatives form part of Melco’s RISE to Go Above & Beyond sustainability strategy, which emphasizes employee development and community engagement.

City of Dreams Manila previously received Forbes Travel Guide’s inaugural Work Here, Work Happy award in 2022 for its people-first workplace culture.

Its workforce also secured the Overall Champion title in the Professional Division of the Philippine Culinary Cup 2026, outperforming 52 competing teams.

The resort operates three luxury hotels—Nüwa Manila, Nobu Hotel and Hyatt Regency Manila City of Dreams—with a combined 939 rooms, alongside gaming, dining and entertainment facilities. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma