IDC taps Dusit to operate its Mindanao hotels


IDC Prime, a wholly owned subsidiary of the listed real estate firm Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC), has tapped Dusit International to operate two upcoming hotels in a move to develop the hospitality component of IDC Prime's projects with world-class hotel assets.

IDC Prime has signed a suite of agreements with Dusit Thani Public Company Ltd. and Dusit Thani Philippines Inc., both part of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies.

IDC Prime will deliver its sustainable green designs and trademark architectural style as the developer and owner. Dusit, as the experienced hotel operator, will bring its internationally recognized brand and top-notch guest experience.

One of the two planned hotels, Dusit Princess Moena, will be located within IDC’s Moena Mountain Estate in the uplands of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Slated to open by the last quarter of 2029, this 1.5-hectare mixed-use development will consist of an eight-story green building and a group of luxury villas. The design will maximize fresh air and sweeping views from its hilltop site in Barangay Dahilayan.

Known by many as the “Baguio of Mindanao,” the Dahilayan area already attracts many day-trippers and tourists who come for the region’s mountainous terrain and dramatic scenery.

The second hotel, Dusit Princess Firenze, is also scheduled to open by the last quarter of 2029. It will be located within IDC’s Firenze Green Tower project in the Limketkai area in the heart of Cagayan de Oro.

This 14-story mixed-use green building will consist of commercial, residential, and hotel areas, with first-class amenities and parking.

Centrally located in Lapasan, downtown Cagayan de Oro, the project promises unparalleled convenience for residents and Dusit guests, with close proximity to hospitals, commercial hubs, and the main business district.

IDC said, “With the area’s increasing volume of inbound tourism from domestic and international visitors, the addition of Dusit’s world-class offerings is set to be a game-changer for Northern Mindanao’s tourism and hospitality landscape.”

“We are delighted to strengthen our presence in the Philippines with these two remarkable projects,” said Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer of Dusit International.

He noted, “As one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, the Philippines presents tremendous opportunities, and we look forward to introducing our unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to these dynamic and promising destinations, delivering lasting value for all stakeholders.”

Prateek Kumar, Senior Vice President of Operations at Dusit International, said, “In IDC, we have found a partner who shares our values and vision for sustainable growth. The locations selected by IDC for its projects reflect exceptional foresight into the Philippines’ evolving growth story.

“We are excited and honored to collaborate with them, contributing to shaping the future of these destinations in the most positive way possible.”

Both Firenze Green Tower and Moena Mountain Estate are pre-existing joint ventures between IDC, as the property developer, and the Go family, as the original owners of the two sites.

The addition of a hotel component to each project with the recent signing of the engagements with Dusit is expected to add a new dimension to each site. The planned Dusit Princess Firenze and Dusit Princess Moena are slated to be not only top-notch hotels within IDC’s projects but also attractions in and of themselves, raising the region’s profile as a tourism and hospitality destination.

“IDC was founded on our belief in the Philippines’ growth story, particularly in areas such as these, which are already full of energy and have great potential for game-changing growth,” said Arch. Romolo Nati, CEO and Chairman of IDC.

He added, “Apart from being recognized for their architecture and sustainability, our projects have all been located in places where they are ahead of the curve and deliver a ‘level-up’ in elegance and quality of experience.”

“To us, partnering with Dusit for new hotels in Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon is an extension of this, and we look forward to having these world-class hotel experiences in our new locations,” said Nati.

“Dusit International’s name and track record speak for themselves,” commented IDC President Jojo Leviste. “It is deservedly among the world’s most prestigious hotel brands, and it is an honor for us to be partnering with them.”