CEBU, Philippines – Benedicto-owned Enrison Land Inc., (ELI) opened its second resort property in Panglao Island, Bohol, strengthening its foothold in the country’s dynamic hospitality industry.
The Be Grand Resort Bohol sits on the company’s five-hectare property in Barangay Danao, Panglao. It offers 189 elegantly furnished rooms and 19 luxurious villas that will re-enforce Panglao’s appeal as top leisure and vacation of choice for affluent travelers from all over the world.
“The investment for Bohol is certainly major, including land and development. This includes investing in innovative dining concepts to tickle the palate of even the most savvy traveler,” said Grand Benedicto, president of Enrison Holdings Inc., the holding company of ELI.
According to Benedicto, although the company has bigger plans of expanding its hospitality business in other tourism hotspots in the country, like Malapascua Island in Cebu, and in Palawan, it has to concentrate its investment nerve in Bohol and Cebu first.
“The next expansion will still be in Cebu or Bohol. We believe in the continuing uptrend in tourism of Central Visayas. We are looking forward to the construction and opening of the Bohol International Airport. On top of that, there’s an upsurge of international flights to Mactan International Airport,” he said adding that the firm’s investment for Bohol is so far its major venture following the development of Be Resort in Mactan few years back.
He said the sprawling contemporary-designed resort, which boasts of five innovative dining concepts, focused its developmental expenditure more on aesthetics and landscape, among others to suit the discerning travel-savvy market.
Levering on its expertise in furniture making and designing, as the group operates an export furniture firm, the Be Hotel and Resort chain aims to make itself known in creating a different and grand experience for every visitor, he said.
“I think we hold the distinction of being a design oriented company. Our background in the furniture industry enables to put that needed attention to detail to cater to guests’ needs without being intrusive. We are also passionate about travel and the local tourism industry. It translates to Be Resorts being innovative with our offerings,” said Benedicto.
Moreover, the Cebuano hotelier said that the company is serious in putting emphasis on the local surroundings first. “That entails being stewards of the environment and champions of our local industries, highlighting the craftsmanship and creativity of the Filipino.”
“The hospitality industry is getting more competitive and while being innovative is the only way we can advance in the competition, we will not lose our local touch. We will still push through with the local traditions to be showcased in our facilities,” said Enrilen Joy Benedicto, the company's managing director, in an earlier interview.
The Benedicto Group, which also owns a cement factory, school, exports, among others, entered into the hospitality sector some years ago through the development of Be Resorts in Punta Engaño, Mactan Island.
The encouraging turnout of its first resort venture prompted the company to focus on tourism-related investments, although it also has lined up projects for BPO and commercial buildings, as well as residential developments. (FREEMAN)