RLC gets Dusit to manage its Cebu resort

ROBINSONS Land Corp. has tapped Dusit International to manage the property firm’s five-star beachfront resort in Cebu, underscoring its optimism on the long-term prospects of the tourism sector.

The Gokongwei-led real estate developer signed a hotel management agreement with Philippine Hoteliers, Inc., the local affiliate of the Thailand-based global hospitality company, to operate Dusit Thani Resort Mactan Cebu Resort on Friday.

The upscale resort development, which is expected to serve leisure and business travelers alike, will have 271 rooms divided between three buildings adjacent to Robinsons Land’s AmiSa private residences in Punta Engaño, situated on the northern peninsula of Mactan Island. The first phase of the project will open in 2019.

Facilities will include a luxury spa, a fully equipped fitness center, an executive lounge, three restaurants with al-fresco and private dining, a large infinity pool, and over 1,200 square meters of meeting space.

“We’re very excited. International tourism arrivals are growing by leaps and bounds. As time goes by, more and more international destinations are created out of Cebu,” RLC President Frederick D. Go told reporters on the sidelines of the signing ceremony.

RLC is looking forward to the completion of the P17.5-billion expansion of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, which will increase its capacity to 12.5 million from 4.5 million passengers. Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort is located approximately 30 minutes by car from the airport via the Punta Engaño Road.

“Partnering with hotel owners in key markets such as the Philippines is essential to Dusit International’s long term sustainable and profitable growth,” Dusit International Chief Operating Officer Lim Boon Kwee was quoted in a statement as saying.

The Cebu resort will be the third property in the Philippines to carry the Dusit Thani brand. Dusit International owns and operates Dusit Thani Manila and the upcoming Dusit Thani Residence Davao.

The hotels division contributed 8% or P456.0 million to Robinsons Land’s revenues, up 6% from a year ago.

Robinsons Land saw its net income decrease 11% to P1.38 billion in the first quarter following a decline in real estate sales.

Shares in Robinsons Land slid 2.82% to end at P24.10 each on Friday.