By Roderick T. dela Cruz
The Tourism Department has endorsed P9.1 billion worth of new
investments in hotels and resorts in the first half of the year.
The amount represented new tourism projects as well as expansion
projects endorsed by the department's Tourism Investments Promotions
Group for fiscal incentives to the Board of Investments in the
January-June period.
Ma. Victoria Jasmin, head of the Tourism Investments Promotions Group,
said these projects included the expansion of Shangri-La Mactan that
involves refurbishing of 111 rooms, a restaurant, function room, spa and
an outdoor swimming pool.
The Peninsula Manila in Makati City will refurbish its 294 rooms.
Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa, a Triple class A resort, is
building 558 units as part of its condotel accommodation. The LKY Hotel,
meanwhile, is a deluxe hotel (formerly Mayon Hotel) in Legazpi City
that will have 115 rooms.
Microtel Inns and Suites will open a 50-room hotel in Cabanatuan City
while Hotel Vida Resort Complex, a deluxe hotel inside Clark Freeport
Zone, is constructing 123 rooms, swimming pool, function room, water
theme park and convention center.
Medical City will construct additional 250 hospital rooms.
"These projects confirm the stark investor confidence that the
country continuously enjoys. We fully advocate immediate action on said
projects to further boost the economy," said Tourism Secretary Ace
Durano.