Discovery Hospitality Corporation (DHC), the management unit for publicly-listed Discovery World Corporation upscale hotel and resort properties, is expanding its reach to include the lower segments of the market.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, DWC said DHC is launching a new brand, Kip & Kin, and is talks for the management of new properties in Cebu and Davao as part of its allied services.
“The tourism industry may be at a halt, but DHC takes advantage of this time to pivot and develop new resorts, turning prime locations into dream destinations,” said DWC.
As part of its strategy and initiatives to create unique experiences for travelers, a new collection and properties under its allied services are currently in the works.
A lifestyle and millennial-focused brand, Kip & Kin is a new concept of the hospitality group that combines hostel and hotel approach in one single property.
The hotel side will focus on guest rooms that are perfect for families who prefer a traditional way, while the lower levels will house the hostel fit for adventure and experience-seeker travelers who wish to gather and meet new friends.
Among the three pipeline locations for the brand are El Nido, San Vicente, and Siargao.
Kip & Kin El Nido is the first of the three to be in development, with an expected opening in June 2022.
The property is located in Vanilla Beach, El Nido with 117 hotel rooms and 84 hostel beds.
Located on the western coast of the island of Palawan, the San Vicente property will be an integrated tourism destination project showcasing San Vicente’s 14-kilometer white sand beach, pristine islets, and lush mountains.
The property will house 42 hotel rooms and 136 hostel beds, apart from the two signature restaurants.
Meanwhile, Kip & Kin Siargao will be built along General Luna nearby the famous Cloud 9 surfing spot and will have 34 hotel rooms, 48 hostel beds, and 4 food and beverage outlets.
As part of its shared services on product development, experience design, branding, and pre-opening requirements, DWC said it is in discussions with resort developers for management contracts with third-party resort owners in Visayas (Manami Resort), and Mindanao (to be named Discovery Samal).
These projects are part of the pipeline to reach different types of markets and unique experiences in unique destinations
“With these properties in our plans, we are getting more excited to cater to a lot of travelers, whether the traditional ones or the more adventurous type. The experiences that we design for these are something that will definitely bring a new meaning to travel,” said Cathy Nepomuceno, Discovery SeniorVice President and Head of Sales and Operations.