Hotel to rise in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY—The R1.5-billion hotel project of property developer Megaworld Corp. at its Iloilo Business Park is expected to enhance tourism in Iloilo. “We have seen the huge potential of Iloilo as a tourism destination. Iloilo needs another world-class hotel,” said Jennifer PalmaresFong, vice president for sales and marketing of Megaworld in Iloilo. Megaworld will build Belmont Hotel at its 72-hectare township at the old city airport site. Citing data from both the city and provincial Iloilo tourism offices, Megaworld projects that the 12-storey hotel can cater to those flocking to the nearby Iloilo Convention Center to attend meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE). Situated along the 1.1kilometer Festive Walk Parade, Belmont Hotel will have 405 rooms including rooms for persons with disabilities (PWDs). The project will also boost Iloilo Business Park as a local destination, especially with the presence of the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (Ilomoca) as well as shopping and dining experience at Festive Walk Mall. Megaworld Senior Assistant Vice President Harold Geronimo noted that Belmont will more likely suit business travelers. In comparison, Megaworld’s Richmonde Hotel is more for families. Geronimo said Belmont Hotel in Iloilo, which will open in 2023, is Megaworld’s fourth homegrown brand in the country. (Tara Yap)