SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines – Two of four conferences of senior officials of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will be held at a newly opened hotel and resort here later this month.
The First Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM1) of the 2015 APEC summit will take place at the P120-million Subic Grand Harbour Hotel, which has 70 luxury rooms, four suites, and an 800-seat capacity theater-type multi-function room.
At least 1,700 delegates from 22 countries are expected to attend the SOM1 from Jan. 26 to Feb. 7.
“They will use our conference facilities as well as other guest rooms, which may need refitting to accommodate requirements for the SOM1,” Bong Pineda, Subic Grand Harbour chief executive officer, told The STAR.
He said APEC national organizing council chief Marciano Parayno Jr. has tapped the hotel to be one the venues for the SOM1.
Pineda believes Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City will remain as favorite destinations for both local and foreign tourists.
The Subic Bay Freeport had hosted the APEC summit in 1996, which was attended by 24 heads of state.