ALTHOUGH any new addition to Cebu’s hospitality sector would mean competition for local players, a top official of the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association (HRRAC) chooses to see these new investments as welcome additions that would lift Cebu’s image in the global tourism front.
This as the InterContinental Hotels Group recently signed a partnership with Thai hotel giant The Erawan Group Public Company Limited for the opening of a new Holiday Inn in Cebu in 2020.
The 180-room Holiday Inn Cebu City will be situated on Samar Loop in the Ayala-owned Cebu Business Park.
HRRAC president Carlo Suarez said the presence of international hotel brands increases the value of Cebu as a destination. Cebu, he said, needs more hotel rooms to accommodate the anticipated rise of tourists starting this year.
Suarez said the entry of foreign brands is expected to affect bottom lines of local players, but their presence also opens doors to opportunities in jobs and marketing promotions.
“When they market their property globally, they market Cebu as a destination, too. In a way, we benefit from the spillover as a result of their hotel network’s promotions across the globe,” said Suarez.
Rajit Sukumaran, chief development officer for IHG in Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa, noted that Cebu has enjoyed steady economic growth in recent years, due to its strong port facilities and geographic location which have made it popular among multinational businesses.
IHG is also banking on the completion soon of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s new terminal to increase visitor arrivals, including those traveling on business.
“As part of our strategic expansion across this region, we believe that Holiday Inn Cebu City will be well-poised to meet the rising demand for reliable, internationally branded accommodation in this market,” said Sukumaran.
Holiday Inn is said to be IHG’s most recognized brand and the largest midscale brand. The Erawan Group, on the other hand, has 52 other hotels operating across Thailand and Southeast Asia, including Holiday Inn Pattaya, a flagship Holiday Inn hotel in Southeast Asia.
“We are excited to introduce this offering to Cebu City, to cater to the needs of our guests with a consistent and welcoming experience,” he added.
Holiday Inn Cebu City will feature meeting facilities, a fitness center and swimming pool, an all-day dining restaurant and bar, as well as the signature ‘Kids Stay & Eat Free’ program.
“With its strong track record in world-class hospitality offerings, we are delighted to work once again with our trusted partner IHG to bring the first Holiday Inn hotel to Cebu City...We strongly believe that this hotel will be one of the key driver for the future growth for Erawan,” said Petch Krainukul, president of The Erawan Group.
In 2016, The Erawan Group announced it is investing P3.6 billion in the Philippines to build about 20 three-star hotels by 2020. The group identified Cebu as one of their key interest areas for expansion along with Manila and Davao.
Holiday Inn Cebu City is will be located in the same tower as Erawan Philippines’ Hop Inn hotel. It will be situated on the upper floors with its own separate entrance, elevator, and lobby.
Holiday Inn will join the likes of Dusit International, Ascott Limited, and Sheraton by Marriott International Inc., which have entered Cebu and Mactan’s tourism spheres.