Resorts World bringing in Japan’s luxury hotel Okura

MANILA, Philippines — The operator of Resorts World Manila (RWM) has formalized an agreement with Japanese luxury hospitality chain Hotel Okura Co. Ltd. to operate Hotel Okura Manila.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. said that the 191-room Hotel Okura Manila will be the newest addition to the country’s first integrated resort.

With its soft opening targeted in the fourth quarter this year, Okura will join the roster of RWM’s current portfolio of international hotel brands that include Marriott Hotel Manila, along with the soon-to-open Sheraton Manila Hotel and Hilton Manila.

Remington Hotel, RWM’s value for money offering, meanwhile, will soon be rebranded as Holiday Inn Express, Travellers International said.

“The Philippines, especially Manila, is a very promising market considering the nation’s gross domestic product and population size, both of which are growing fast. The local hotel business is benefiting from these and other favorable trends,” said Okura president Toshihiro Ogita.

“Having worked closely with Mr. Kingson Sian, we are confident that we will receive their full support as a reliable partner to operate the hotel. We will leverage the group’s expertise in traditional Japanese hospitality to make Hotel Okura Manila a much-beloved hotel among both local and foreign visitors,” Ogita added.

Hotel Okura Macau opened in 2011, followed by the opening of The Okura Prestige Bangkok and The Okura Prestige Taipei in 2012.

Okura intends to expand its growing portfolio to 100 properties worldwide, with focus on Asia.

Okura has already announced to open Okura brand hotels in Cappadocia in 2019, Manila, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City and Yangon in 2020, and Taichung in 2021.

“Hotel Okura aims to strengthen the bond with promising markets including the Philippines. To enforce its commitment, Hotel Okura has made a donation of $100,000 to the Philippine Red Cross for natural disaster recovery in 2013,” Travellers International said.

In the three quarters of 2017, Travellers International posted gross earnings of P2.6 billion on revenues of P15.7 billion.

Its gaming revenues stood at P12.8 billion, with the company ramping up its casino business.