Phl’s lack of infra, connectivity to impede potential investments
Uninviting infrastructure and lack of right connectivity are two of the main concerns pointed out by an international hotel group in pursuing more investments in the Philippines.
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, the company that operates the five-star Radisson Blu in Cebu and the Park Inn Hotel by Radisson in Davao and Clark, is also eyeing Palawan and Boracay for future investments but expressed reservations that the Philippines need to put in place necessary infrastructure and connectivity network, said the Group's vice president for operations in South East Asia and the Pacific, Andre De Jong.
De Jong, who was in Cebu yesterday, to grace the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu's fifth year anniversary, said that the Philippines is one of the countries in Asia Pacific that poses huge potential, but improvement in infrastructure and travel connectivity should be immediately improved.
The Philippines lags behind its counterparts in terms of arrivals, Thailand for instance has arrival figure of 25 million, and Vietnam's 28 million. The Philippines on the other hand, obviously has to catch up with only 5.5 million arrival target this year,
Although, the country lags behind its counterparts, De Jong said that this makes the Philippines much more attractive for investors especially in hospitality sector as there is still huge room for growth.
He also mentioned the Philippines' yet be found "identity" in terms of international promotion, (unlike the established branding tag lines like "Amazing Thailand," "Malaysia, Truly Asia," among others) as a crucial a setback, in attracting global travelers.
The government plays a very important role in resolving these concerns, De Jong stressed.
In the Philippines, the Group is partnering with SM Hotels and Conventions, with its three properties here.
The SM Group and De Jong's company are currently talking for a possibility of opening a second Radisson Hotel in Cebu at the South Road Properties.
Aside from Boracay and Palawan, the group also looks at other possible destinations for expansion, which include secondary and tertiary cities like Iloilo, lifestyle cities and suburbs in Manila. These places have inviting environment for expansions, he said in a press conference.
The American hotel management group considers Asia Pacific as its vital market to pull up growth in the coming years. In the region, it has strong presence in China, India, Indonesia, and Thailand. The Philippines is the fifth country that the Group has large portfolio in the region.
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, is one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups and includes more than 1,370 hotels in operation and under development with 220,000 rooms and footprint spanning 110 countries and territories carrying its multi-brand offering: the luxurious Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Red, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson and Country Inns & Suites by Carlson.