ACCOR, a world-leader in hospitality management, has finally opened its first Swissôtel property at the Clark special economic zone (CSEZ), Pampanga.
In a news statement, Accor CEO for Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea Garth Simmons said 270 Premium and Swiss Advantage Rooms will be available for booking during the soft opening period which begins on March 1, with the rest of the 372-room hotel complex opening its doors in the last quarter of 2022.
“The Swissôtel brand is internationally renowned for its high standard of Swiss hospitality that is infused with the freshness and vibrancy of alpine energy. In every detail of the Swissôtel experience, vitality is the key philosophy that focuses on well-being and enjoying a high quality of life. We are delighted to introduce our first Swissôtel property in the Philippines, which will keep the brand’s promise of promoting quality in life. Swissôtel Clark will offer an inspiring atmosphere, complimented by authentic Filipino charm,” he said.
Swissôtel forms part of the three-hotel, integrated Hann Casino Resort, owned by the Widus Group of South Korea.
Clark SEZ is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Central Luzon, with its close proximity to Metro Manila, being just about an hour away via the North Luzon Expressway. It is also served by local and international carriers via the Clark International Airport.
‘World-class work force’
For her part, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat welcomed the opening of the first Swissôtel in the country. “This heralds the continuing belief by international hospitality groups that the Philippines is a viable site for tourism investments,” she told the BusinessMirror.
Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas indicated that, despite the pandemic, net foreign direct investments in accommodation and food services surged by some 38 percent to $9.9 million (P505 million) from January to November 2021 versus $7.8 million (P398 million) in the same period in 2020.
She added, “Our country has a world-class workforce that is well-regarded and always in demand in many international destinations and hotels abroad. I wish Swissôtel good fortune as they help the Philippines and its tourism workers rebuild and recover in the new normal.”
In the first half of 2021, Pampanga attracted 2.25 million tourists compared to 622,705 in the same period in 2020, according to data from the Department of Tourism (DOT). Tourist receipts similarly increased to P11.27 billion in the first six months of 2021 from just P3.11 billion in the same period in 2020.
Tallest in Central Luzon
As Covid-19 took hold of the globe in 2020, Accor said it was still on track to expand its portfolio in the Philippines from eight hotels with 2,363 rooms to 23 hotels with over 6,300 rooms by the year 2025. (See, “Accor tapping domestic travelers for initial PHL recovery plan,” in the IH, May 4, 2020.)
With its 22-story building, Swissôtel Clark is touted as the tallest hotel in Central Luzon. The hotel incorporates a modern take on Swiss design elements and architectural touches, resulting in a space where guests feel at ease while they recharge. A statement wall reflecting the pattern of the Swiss Alps is one of the design highlights in each room. Overlooking the city and its surrounding rolling hills, all rooms feature plenty of natural light, with dramatic sunrise or sunset views.
At present, it has four food and beverage outlets operating: Markt, The Atrium Oma’s; and Swiss Tropic. Other facilities include a kid’s pool, the Swiss Executive Lounge and five meeting rooms. By the second quarter of the year, it will open an Ristorante Di Verona, then Pürovel Spa & Sport in the third quarter
“We are thrilled to welcome guests to experience Swissôtel Clark, the largest hotel in Northern Metro Manila. As the first Swissôtel property in the Philippines, we are proud to deliver Swiss vitality, complemented with local Filipino hospitality. Perfect for families, leisure and business travellers, our intelligently designed guest rooms, variety of culinary offerings, and exciting facilities make the hotel a destination in and of itself. The hotel will offer a relaxing base for all travelers to explore the very best that Clark has to offer,” said hotel general manager Tarek Auoini.