The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Leading international hotel brand Dusit International has announced its intention to increase its presence in the Philippines, beginning with reaching out to the upscale, long-staying travel sector.
The hotelier also announced plans to tap the strong meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, or MICE, market in Asia.
“We are looking to grow in other cities and destinations in the Philippines, as we are positive about the country’s tourism outlook and potential,” said Ryan Chen, Dusit International director for development in the Asia-Pacific. “These new projects can leverage from our experience and established networks in the Philippines and in the region.”
Focus on Davao
Currently, the construction of Dusit Thani Residences Davao continues. The first Dusit Thani Residences in the Asia-Pacific, the 168-key full-service residences is scheduled for turnover in 2018.
According to Chen, Davao was chosen because of the positive economic growth in the region, which bodes well for the international hospitality industry. He commended the company’s timely partnership with Philippine real-estate developer Torre Lorenzo.
“We have found a quality partner in Torre Lorenzo, as this company is both experienced with the local real-estate market and is aligned with our vision for the Dusit brand in the Philippines,” Chen said.
Other Davao projects in the works are the dusitD2 Hotel and Lubi Plantation Resort. dusitD2 Hotel is a 120-key hotel that will feature high-tech and modern conveniences, coupled with a chic and playful design that matches Davao City’s youthful vibe. Located adjacent to Dusit Thani Residences, the hotel will be its first in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Lubi Plantation Resort is a 37-hectare master-planned resort community in a private island off the coast of Davao. Developers intend to promote the resort as having the country’s first internationally branded club membership.
Opportunities in MICE
On a regional scale, Dusit International is looking to strengthen its capability to cater to the booming MICE industry in Asia.
“Industry reports show that Asia is fast becoming a preferred destination for MICE. With that, Dusit International is (preparing) its services to meet this demand across our locations in Asia,” Chen said.
“We’re optimistic that our new properties in Davao will be able to participate in this trend. A key aspect of the industry in Davao is its robust domestic market and relatively untapped markets, where opportunities for growth are abundant,” he added.
Chen also said that, as incentive travel is on the rise, new destinations are being preferred. Davao, given its burgeoning economic growth, is further touted to be a destination that will best cater to business travelers.
Thai meets Filipino
“The Philippines is similar to Thailand in many ways, as the country offers a myriad of attractions and demand generators. The Philippines has very warm and friendly people, who are very valuable to the tourism industry,” Chen said.
He identified the country’s natural beauty and welcoming personality, coupled with Dusit’s reputation as an internationally trusted brand, as key factors that will make Davao a top choice for international and domestic investors.