Daesik Han, President and CEO of Hann Development Corporation As the region is getting ready to be a full-fledged smart city, it was engulfed with a pandemic that crippled many existing businesses in Clark in Pampanga. One of the major hit is the tourism industry. The coronavirus outbreak shook down the hotel and hospitality sectors, and many of them had to force shutdown because there were no visitors to begin with. Others are open with few long-term guests staying in their properties. Amidst all of these challenges, Clark continues to elevate and open new properties that would bring excitement in the province. Back in February, while COVID-19 was barely beginning, the Widus Group (Widus), owner and developer of the Widus Hotel & Casino and the Clark Marriott Hotel in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, unveiled Hann Resorts, the first luxury lifestyle brand in Clark that addresses the future of travel and seeks to offer guests an all-new integrated resort experience. Clark forms the hub for business, industry, aviation, education, and tourism in the Philippines as well as a leisure, fitness, entertainment and gaming center of Central Luzon. A big challenge for these group not knowing that in the next couple of weeks, Clark will be put in Enhanced Community Quarantine. Hann Resorts is a new high-end integrated resort brand that promises to elevate the luxury experience in Clark, Pampanga and New Clark City, Tarlac and represents the future of travel. Under the Hann Resorts master brand are two premium sub-brands: Hann Casino Resort and Hann Lux Luxury Resort. Combined, this will create the ultimate luxury playground north of Metro Manila. The launch of Hann Resorts brings a collection of meaningful experiences brought by world-class luxe brands, including Clark Marriott Hotel, Swissôtel, Mercure Hotel, Banyan Tree Hotel, Angsana Hotel, the Westin Hotel, and The Luxury Collection by Marriott International. Hann Resorts is a property of the Widus Group, owner and developer of the Widus Hotel & Casino and the Clark Marriott Hotel in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. Hann Resorts brings the idea of a “millionaire’s playground” to life by elevating the experience of play with a carefully curated mix of gaming, golf, nature and outdoors, entertainment and hospitality activities and experiences within an ultra luxe integrated resort environment. Under one master brand, Hann Resorts, is a collection of equally premium sub-brands: Hann Casino Resort and Hann Lux Lifestyle Resort. Combined, they are the ultimate luxury playground north of Metro Manila.  “Our vision is to raise the concept of play into a lifestyle that people would want to discover through world-class experiences,” Daesik Han, President and CEO of Hann Development Corporation, a member of the Widus Consortium, said. “Clark is already drawing a lot of tourists and investors to the area. We hope that an integrated lifestyle and leisure resort brand will further attract people and turn both Clark and New Clark City (NCC) into a bustling center for recreation and development.” Play bold. Live bold. “At its core, Hann Resorts seeks to establish itself not only as an international destination brand for tourists, but also as a powerful master brand that has gathered together an experienced international team to achieve one single goal: to help our guests playfully escape the ordinary and offer a wide range of options to live bold and play bold,” Han added. Hann Resorts will be the ultimate luxury playground for gamers and golfers as well as families or groups of friends looking to relax and play or indulge in world-class cuisine. The coming years will see the transformation of the current Widus development in Clark into the Hann Casino Resort. Joining the already operational Clark Marriott Hotel, Hann Casino and Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts were targetting to open in this premier economic hub by the last quarter of 2020. But because of what had happened in the country, that will have to move to a later schedule. Meanwhile, the Widus Hotel & Casino shall be converted to the Mercure Hotel after its renovation is completed by 2022.  Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts offers contemporary hotels infused with the freshness and vitality of alpine energy, rooted in the tradition of Swiss hospitality. The Mercure brand’s unwavering commitment to quality ensures a consistent and reliable standard of service, while the design of each Mercure hotel reflects the distinct character and culture of its location. Swissôtel and Mercure are part of Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group offering unique experiences in 5,000 hotels and residences across 110 countries. Under the Hann Lux Lifestyle Resort sub-brand, NCC will become the ultimate destination for many golfers who are looking for a luxurious experience. It will offer serious golfers three 18-hole championship golf courses: the first golf course will be designed by Nicklaus Design, the world-renowned leader in golf course design and innovations; the second golf course will be designed by South Korean professional golfer KJ Choi who is acclaimed with various tournament wins and is the most successful golfer in all of Asia; while the third golf course will be the Sir Nick Faldo Signature Golf Course, designed and named after the pro English golfer who is known for his dedication to the game and was ranked as number one in his era. Hann Resorts will also see the opening of Banyan Tree Hotel, an award-winning luxury hospitality brand that has pioneered the all-villa concept in hotel resorts. Designed as a sanctuary for the senses, it will offer pool villas and a tropical garden spa — a welcome respite for weary travelers. Intertwining local chic and a vibrant fun-filled atmosphere, Angsana Hotel offers an amazing destination getaway with its wide range of recreational activities that are perfect for families or groups of friends.  The next phase will include the Westin Hotel and The Luxury Collection by Marriott International. The Westin Hotels and Resorts brand is recognized as a leader in wellness with signature programs including the RunWestin run map and running concierge that empower guests to Move Well, Eat Well and Sleep Well while traveling. Meanwhile, The Luxury Collection is comprised of world-renowned hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting and treasured memories. “Hann Resorts will not only bring high-end international brands to the country, but it will also showcase the global Filipino lifestyle and culture,” said Han. “We are very excited to launch this new luxury lifestyle brand in this vibrant and growing tourism destination.” Presently, things are looking great for Central Luzon. The government had imposed the transition to General Community Quarantine, which began last June 1 in this region. A sign that the country is slowly recovering from the outbreak. With these developing things going on, it will only take some time before Clark bounces back and get up on its feet again.