Ayala Land seeks to double hotel rooms by 2030

Ayala Land Inc. announced plans to spend more than $500 million over the next five years to double its hotel room capacity to 8,000 by 2030, a company official said Tuesday, betting on the growth of the tourism sector.

AyalaLand Hospitality President George Aquino said during a media launch that the company will expand its homegrown brands and engage other international brands to build its portfolio from premium economy to luxury.

“Our vision is to make the Philippines a must-see destination for all kinds of travelers, offering an experience of seamlessly blended culture, comfort and innovation,” Aquino said.

AyalaLand Hospitality also plans to build a five-star hotel in Cebu and another in Batangas, with a combined 400 to 600 rooms.

ALI Senior Vice President for Leasing and Hospitality Mariana Zobel de Ayala said the group’s priority is to expand its hotel and resorts portfolio within ALI’s existing estate developments and in areas with international flights.

She said the company is making the investments as the country continues to attract high-value tourists.

The Department of Tourism has projected tourism arrivals to reach 12 million by 2028.

In addition to strong tourist arrivals, Zobel said domestic tourists are also driving growth, creating demand for a broader range of accommodations.

“Our foreign and domestic tourists and returning Filipinos now gravitate to other destinations across the country, opening up more opportunities for tourism investment outside Metro Manila,” Zobel said.

AyalaLand Hospitality Creative Director Pamola Urquijo Zobel de Ayala said the group will also upgrade and refurbish existing hotels and resorts.

It has started upgrading three Seda hotels in Bonifacio Global City, Davao and Cagayan de Oro. Those hotels will reopen this year.

The group is also slated to reopen Lagen Resort in El Nido, Palawan.

ALI currently has more than 4,000 hotel rooms across 15 locations. Average occupancy rates for city hotels are at 85%, while occupancy rates for resorts range from 60% to 65%.