SM expanding hotel portfolio to support growth in tourism

MANILA, Philippines — The SM Group is set to capitalize on the country’s recovering tourism industry with plans to bolster its hotel portfolio in the coming years.

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) has set its sights on opening 1,700 new hotel rooms in the next four years mostly in the provincial areas.

To serve the growing local tourism industry, SMHCC is adding over 1,400 hotel rooms in Isabela, Laguna, Cebu South Road Properties, Cavite, Laoag City and Pampanga, while the other 300 rooms will be in Metro Manila.

“We are ready to support the growth in tourism as we move even closer to emerging regions to provide Filipinos and foreign travelers alike with quality accommodation,” SMHCC executive vice president Peggy Angeles said.

The additional 1,700 rooms for both NCR and the provinces by 2028 are expected to generate livelihood opportunities that will directly and indirectly benefit local communities.

SMHCC said that depending on the project’s scale, a larger scale development for direct and indirect livelihood opportunities can generate 150 to 200 full-time roles per project.

“Our hotel expansion contributes to the development of local economies, further creating jobs and boosting tourism and local growth through the increased demand for services and local products,” Angeles said.

“SM Hotels is dedicated to uplifting the communities it serves. We strive to create livelihood opportunities in the areas where we operate to strengthen local partnerships and foster inclusive economic growth,” she said.

The company recently made its entry into the serviced suites category with the launch of Lanson Place in Mall of Asia.

SMHCC has 10 hotels and over 2,601 rooms, six conventions centers and two trade halls with over 42,000 square meters of leasable space.

SMHCC is also optimistic in the potential growth of country’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector.

Last March, SMX Convention Center Manila was named the Philippines’ Best Convention Center in the recently concluded World MICE Awards.

SMHCC said the recognition realizes the advocacy of the company of upholding the highest level of quality in hosting and organizing events in its convention centers.