Marriott International Philippines (MIP) hosted its inaugural Philippine Business Exchange, a two-day event designed to connect in-market customers and industry partners with exceptional experiences across its 10 properties in the country.
The event, themed "Where Can We Take You," was held at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City and showcased the unique features, programs, and developments of each property, presented by the hotels’ general managers.
Marriott International’s commitment to the Philippines is evident through its strategic expansion. “We are expanding our presence in the Philippines with six brands, 10 properties, six destinations, and more to come,” said Marriott International’s Multi-Property Vice President for the Philippines Bruce Winton.
Sophia Altamirano, market director for sales, distribution, and national sales office, added, "The Philippines Business Exchange is just one of the initiatives we have to invite everyone to discover the many diverse and beautiful locales through the lens of our hotels."
Winton also announced two new properties set to open in 2025: AC Hotel Ortigas, featuring 150 rooms, and Fairfield by Marriott Mahi in Mactan, with 196 rooms.
Portfolio of experiences
Marriott's Philippine portfolio highlights the best of the country. The iconic Manila Marriott Hotel boasts the largest ballroom in the metro, making it a premier destination for events. The Sheraton Manila Hotel offers elegant accommodations with easy airport access, while Sheraton Manila Bay provides stunning views and proximity to top attractions. The Westin Manila, located in the Ortigas Business District, emphasizes wellness with its premium hospitality offerings.
Clark Marriott Hotel in Pampanga blends business and leisure, while Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo in Western Visayas connects visitors to exciting adventures.
Four Points by Sheraton Boracay offers a tropical escape near the famous white beach, and Four Points by Sheraton Puerto Princesa provides luxury close to the Subterranean River National Park.
In Cebu, guests can choose between a luxurious resort getaway at Sheraton Cebu Mactan and a business sanctuary with modern comfort at Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mandaue City.
Expanding presence and positive outlook
Reflecting on the group’s performance, Winton also shared a positive outlook for Marriott’s operations in the Philippines, stating, “Generally, it’s very positive. That is the most important message. Obviously, we’ve got a spread of destinations.”
He highlighted the growing momentum in markets like Iloilo, which has seen a significant increase in conferences and developments, signaling a blossoming market.
“Metro Manila is back,” Winton stated confidently, revealing that overall market-wide revenue per available room has increased by over 20 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Sustainability at its core
MIP remains committed to sustainability, with its Serve 360 initiative targeting 2025 goals. "We are well on our way," Winton said. “In Manila, particularly at Newport Resorts, we have partnered with other operators to centralize our efforts and capitalize on Marriott International’s sustainability projects. We have much more opportunity to be effective if we work together.”
A notable project is the installation of 8,000 solar panels, which is 80 percent complete. Additionally, Marriott has implemented a food waste reduction program across the resort’s cafeterias, achieving a 70 percent reduction in food waste through simple but effective awareness and portioning measures. “It was a simple thing but immensely impactful,” he ended.