Filinvest ramps up hospitality business

MANILA, Philippines — The Gotianun family is keen on taking advantage of the country’s tourism recovery, with plans to further bolster its hospitality business by enhancing its established hotel brands and introducing new hotel and food and beverage (F&B) offerings.

Filinvest Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Filinvest Development Corp., said these efforts are aimed at supporting local tourism.

“As the Filinvest Group sets its sights on faster growth and making a positive impact on Philippine tourism and nation-building, our hospitality business aims to be a significant contributor to its overall plan,” Filinvest Hospitality first senior vice president Francis Gotianun said.

Last year, Filinvest Hospitality posted a 48 percent surge in revenue to P2.9 billion on the back of better occupancy rates, higher average room rates and increased contributions from its F&B outlets.

“After a strong 2023, we’re confident in full tourism recovery in 2024, showcasing the lasting appeal of the Philippines,” Gotianun said.

Filinvest Hospitality currently manages seven hotels ranging from high-end five-star properties under the Crimson brand to Quest hotels and Timberland which serve the mid-priced leisure markets.

The company is finishing the first of its new line of hotels called Grafik Hotel Collection, targeted to be launched in the first quarter of 2025.

Grafik Pine House Baguio, the first property in the collection, is situated on a 5,700-square-meter property within Camp John Hay and features more than 200 rooms, various dining outlets, a spa and meeting areas.

The building’s structural phase has been completed and is scheduled to have a topping off ceremony this month.

Crimson Mactan, on the other hand, has ongoing renovations to improve the services and facilities offered. These include a modern beachfront space called Azure Beach Club and a new authentic Japanese restaurant.

Timberland Highlands Resort likewise opened in the first quarter a new bike park which caters to mountain bike enthusiasts and those seeking to experience nature within the city.

On the F&B front, Filinvest Hospitality is growing its cafe restaurant, Baker J, which offers pastries and coffee accompanied with a diverse range of plated dishes.

It has five branches located in Alabang, Clark, Tagaytay, Taguig and Rizal.

In ensuring that its developments and operations adhere to best practices in sustainability, Filinvest hotels feature green building designs such as double glazing, water-efficient fixtures, energy monitoring and natural lighting.

“Filinvest Hospitality plays a crucial role in the broader strategy of the Filinvest Group, which is focused on achieving accelerated growth to proactively contribute to the Philippine economy,” the company said.