With newly renovated rooms, Pavilion eyes increased occupancy

MANILA, Philippines - Expecting to complete its three-phase, P500-million comprehensive renovation this year, Manila Pavilion Hotel, owned and operated by the Filipino chain Waterfront Hotels & Casinos, hopes to jack up its average room occupancy by 35 percent.

“We expect to marginally raise the average occupancy of the hotel. We expect to raise the average rate by 35 percent,” said Christopher Park, Manila Pavilion general manager.

Park said they have completed the first two phases of the hotel remodeling and the last phase is expected to be finished before the end of the year.

According to Park, the increase in room occupancy also takes into consideration the bullishness of the tourism industry brought about by the growing awareness of the international markets on the Philippines becoming one of the prime tourist destinations in Asia.

“The outlook for tourism is for a stronger year than 2012,” Park said.

For the first four months of the year, Department of Tourism data show that international tourist arrivals swelled to 1.65 million, up by more than 10 percent compared to the same period in 2012.

Park also cited several factors that would help boost the hotel’s sales this year. “Elements that will assist the industry to be stronger include the partial open skies policy. (We expect) more direct flights to different cities,” he said.

Park believes that the marketing and promotional efforts being carried out by the DOT would slowly pay off.

“The aggressive tourism promotional drive ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ by the government can boost arrivals,” he said.

He also took note of the recognition by major event organizers of the viability of the Philippines as a MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) destination.

Park said the development of the multibillion-peso Entertainment City on Roxas Boulevard could also help spur the tourism sector.

Ambassador Club

Occupants of Manila Pavilion’s newly renovated Ambassador Club, according to Park, are frequent travelers who love to be pampered and who want to seek the additional services provided by the Ambassador Lounge.

Located at the 21st floor of the hotel, the Ambassador Club is also frequented by corporate guests who seek the personnel service and exclusivity of the floor, Park said.

To provide the finest and most intimate form of luxury, the Ambassador Club, designed by Sonia Santiago Olivares, has cozy 60-square meter Ambassador Suites which open up to lavish dining and living areas.

Each bedroom in the suite prides itself with splendid comfort, starting with 100-percent Waterfront Slumber Splendor Bed and 300-thread count linens with goose down pillows that are ideal for business travelers who want a real time to relax. Not to mention, there is a wall-mounted flat-screen television in each suite.

Designed to meet the needs of modern business travelers, the Ambassador Lounge has fully equipped individual workstations, with hassle-free Wi-Fi Internet access, and a boardroom suited for private meetings.

Manned by friendly and well-trained staff, the exclusive Ambassador Lounge also offers daily buffet breakfast and an assortment of beverages during cocktail hours.

“Today, the Manila Pavilion Hotel represents a cozy refuge characterized by a vibrant and attractive atmosphere. Its highly prized renovation project resulted in the creation of exclusive accommodations, an elegant ambiance and embellishments that are key to comfort and luxury in the heart of a city,” Park said.

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Visit the Manila Pavilion Hotel at United Nations Avenue corner Maria Orosa Street in Manila. Log on to www.waterfronthotels.com.ph or call 526-1212, for inquiries or reservations. Like or follow @WaterfrontMNL for regular updates.