Saturday, April 21, 2007 Marco Polo wants to reclaim title as wedding destination in Cebu
AS the wedding month draws near, an international hotel chain in Cebu revealed its plans to reclaim the title of being “the wedding destination in Cebu.”
Carlo Borromeo, Marco Polo Plaza public relations manager, said apart from being a corporate hotel, they want to position the facility as a destination for garden weddings—a distinction formerly enjoyed by Cebu Plaza Hotel.
“We want to be a place where memories are to be made,” said Borromeo.
Market
Since Marco Polo is not a year-old in the local hotel industry, he said it understands why it has not yet captured a good market for weddings.
“We average one to three weddings a month,” he said.
The reopening of the hotel last year was welcomed by local tourism stakeholders since it had been a landmark, the site of many wedding receptions, corporate affairs and banquets in its over two-decade-long run.
Collateral
Cebu Plaza Hotel closed in 2003 after its owner, Pathfinder Holdings Philippines Inc. (PHPI), turned it over to Metrobank in payment of PHPI’s P900-million debt. PHPI had used Cebu Plaza Hotel as collateral for its loan.
Destination
According to Borromeo, the hotel will soon become a one-stop wedding destination.
To entice couples to consider holding their matrimonial rites and reception in the hotel, Marco Polo has arranged a two-day Bridal Fair and Fashion Show on May 19 and 20.
“We want the event to be a place where people make the right choices for their weddings. They will be here not as sales people but wedding advisers,” Borromeo said.
Partners
The event dubbed “Weddings at the Marco Polo Plaza” will bring together local designers, stylists, florists, photographers and jewelers, as well as makers of giveaways and invitation cards.
Marco Polo has partnered with the Fashion Council of Cebu composed of leading couturiers like Philip Rodriguez, Felix Yu, Arcy Gayatin, Ditas Rodriguez, Oj Hofer, Jun Escario, Albert Arriba, Minnie Yuvienco and Rey Santos. (MMM)
