Five-star resort notes more Japanese guests

CEBU, Philippines – Japanese tourists have overtaken the Koreans as the number one foreign visitors of five-star resort Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

The resort’s general manager Efren P. Belarmino attributed the increase of Japanese guests to the increased air travel connectivity between Cebu and cities in Japan like Narita and Osaka, and the active promotional campaigns of the Philippine government as well as the resort's own marketing blitz to entice the high-spending Japanese travelers.

At present, Japanese nationals captured at least 40 percent of the total occupancy share of the 255-room Cebuano-owned property. The rest is shared with other foreign markets, and domestic guests.

Belarmino said because of the encouraging Japanese influx, Plantation Bay has to invest on some adjustments of its facilities to suit the distinct preference of the Japanese market.

Aside from altering the details of room interiors like bed size, among others, Plantation Bay has recently introduced unique programs designed solely for the emerging young professional Japanese ladies.

A complete beauty and wellness program had been carefully designed to suit the whims of the sophisticated Japanese women, said Belarmino.

Likewise, other improvements of amenities and its food and beverage outlet choices had been started to prepare for the influx of more tourists coming to Cebu, not just Japanese but also Australian, Koreans and other nationalities.

A Japanese tourist spends at least US$200 a day in a destination. This could provide an earning of close to P30,000 in a three-day stay for a single tourist.

Also, the resort noted an increasing number of Australian wedding bookings, while it sustains its leadership as one of the top honeymoon, family resort of choice among Koreans.

The 11.5-hectare property also boasts of its sports-tourism activities which also attracts group of active and fitness-buff markets from both local and international markets.

The Department of Tourism (DOT-7) earlier predicted that Japanese tourists to Central Visayas, particularly Cebu, will likely overtake the lead of Korean nationals visiting or even staying in the region for long term, in the next couple of years.

Rowena Montecillo, Department of Tourism (DOT-7) regional director said that the region is now seeing strong influx of Japanese tourists, who do not only come for vacation or leisure but also to learn English.

"There is a plateau in Korean arrivals to the region in the recent months. Maybe, their interest has diverted to other islands and provinces in the Philippines," said Montecillo.

Japanese arrivals, on the other hand is strongly catching up, mainly also due to increased direct flight access from Japan to Cebu, she said.

Aside from the usual leisure activities like snorkeling, diving, golf, and other aqua sports and activities, Japanese are now making Cebu in particular as their preferred destination to learn English. (FREEMAN)