Hong Kong based Swiss-Belhotel International held a press conference in May 3 to disclose its expansion plans in the Philippines. The management group has signed its first upscale resort in partnership with Luxury Lifestyle Leisure and Resorts Corporation (LLLRC).
To be launched in 2021, Swiss-Belresort and Villas Samal, a 24-hectare resort complex will banner high-end villas, luxurious accommodation, and superior facilities in a 100% eco-friendly environment in Samal Island, Davao.
“We are delighted to launch a new property in Samal Island, which I am sure will become a major new tourism destination in the Philippines,” Gavin M. Faull, chairman and president of Swiss-Belhotel International, said in an earlier statement.
Luxury like no other
According to James K.C. Tam, executive director and executive vice-president, the Samal resort will have 190 luxurious hotel rooms and ninety 500 square-meter, 3-storey villas, each with an in-room elevator.
“The swimming pool will be constructed in a way that water would be cascading from the top to the bottom to become a multi-level swimming pool,” Tam said.
Groundbreaking will be within two months and target completion is the last quarter of 2021.
Tam said that LLLRC’s John Togonon intends to follow strict environmental guidelines to the extent of constructing a recycling facility to fabricate recyclable materials and ensure a plastic-free resort experience. Apart from this, the resort will also have wind-power and hydro-power to lessen the carbon footprint.
More in store
Aside from the Davao property, Tam enumerated several other projects underway for Swiss-Belhotel.
“We are looking at a resort and condo project in Bataan with both beachside and mountainside attractions, a hotel in Baguio City, and a mixed-use complex in General Santos City,” he divulged.
He added that they aim to have 30 properties in a ten-year expansion program.
“I think we have the opportunity, Faull stated, “The timing is right, The middle class is exploding, they have more money, more time because of more efficiency, so everybody will have more vacations in a year.”
Swiss-Belhotel first venture in the country was The Linden Suites owned by Davao magnate and present Secretary of Finance Carlos Dominguez III. They managed the property for more than 10 years until the owning company took over.
He stated, “The Philippines is almost our second home and we have spent a lot of time here. I have mostly Filipino staff in my office at Jakarta, and even in Dubai.”
The group made its comeback in Manila last year for its venture with Grand Valero Suites by Swiss-Belhotel in Makati, and expanded its portfolio with the management agreement of 171-room Chinatown property, Blulane. Swiss-Belhotel Blulane, was re-branded in February following the signing of management agreement.
Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages 145 hotels and resorts in 34 countries, spanning Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Europe.
