Davao hotelier keeps high hopes amid tight competition

LOCAL hotel owner Jefferson Tan of The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases has expressed optimism over the entry of additional places of accommodation in Davao City, saying it brings many benefits to the city.

Tourism-wise, he said, the presence of many hotels only means the city is becoming more progressive, it can now accommodate more visitors particularly during festival time and tourists have more choices now depending on their preferred location.

The city's hotel industry is experiencing stiff competition among its players today. This, as several new local hotels opened in the different parts of the city recently and a number of major hotel chains about to enter the market as well.

Early this year, more than three hotels opened in the northern part of the metropolis alone. Additionally, major chains such as Radisson's Park Inn Hotel in SM Lanang is launching soon while Kukun in Abreeza is also nearing completion.

Tan admitted that they are bracing themselves for the entry of the major hotel chains.

"It's true the competition in the industry is very tight at the moment with new and big investors coming in," he said.

But on a positive note, Tan said this situation brings out the best among business owners as they are prompted to be more aggressive and innovative in marketing their establishments.

"Each hotel has to come up with a unique strategy to bring in guests all year round," he said.

Other than the presence of new hotels, The Ritz Hotel owner also cited the entry of SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang as instrumental in the holding of major conventions in the city at the start of this year such as those of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Philippine Councilors League (PCL) and Mice (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibits).

These activities, he said, accommodate a large number of people from the different parts of the country which translates to brisk business.

"And with the 2013 Ad Congress also set to be held in the city in November, the hotel industry is enjoying good times," he said.

The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases, for its part, is keeping up with the times. Tan revealed they have renovated several important sections of the resort complex such as the Oases Seafood Restaurant including its kitchen as well as the poolside area. New furniture sets have also been added.

The hotel and inland resort, one of the first in Davao City, is celebrating its 18th year this 2013.