RADISSON Blu Cebu yesterday announced a 16-percent growth in the hotel’s average daily rate in 2017, thanks to the booming meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (Mice) and leisure markets.
The 400-room business hotel played host to many key events last year, including the Asean Defense and Economic meetings in April and July.
“2017 is a banner and best year for Radisson Blu Cebu,” said outgoing general manager Laurent Boisdron, adding that the hotel enjoyed high annual occupancy in the mid-80s level.
“We made a great progress in 2017, and we will certainly be keeping that momentum going in 2018.” Radisson Blu Cebu was heralded as the no. 1 hotel in Cebu City on Trip Advisor for six consecutive years. It also received the Travelers’ Choice Award for its seat among the top 12 out of 25 luxury hotels in the Philippines.
It was also voted as the Best City Hotel in the Best of Cebu 2017 awards by SunStar Cebu.
The hotel’s all-day dining, Feria, likewise reaped awards, being listed among the country’s top restaurants in the 2017 Best Restaurant Guide by the Philippine Tatler.
Its spa facility, SPA Esc, was also awarded as the Best Spa in Cebu City on TripAdvisor.
Looking forward, Boisdron said 2018 will be a busy year for the hotel.
He expects a surge in corporate activities to be held in their property, following the closure of Cebu City Marriott Hotel.
Ann Olalo, hotel director for sales and marketing, said Radisson Blu will be the venue of four Asia Pacific Conventions this year among other big-ticket Mice events booked for the entire year.
“Aside from growing our corporate bookings, we are hoping to grow our business transients with the closure of Marriott Cebu. We hope to fill in the gap,” said Olalo.
The hotel anticipates an influx of foreign guests with the opening of the Terminal 2 of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport this June. Korea, China, US, Japan and Australia are the top markets of the hotel.
Boisdron also announced he is leaving his post as general manager of Radisson Blu Cebu today to manage another hotel property owned by the SM Group in Manila. (KOC)