Shangri-La Mactan pours $500M for renovations

International resort chain, Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort has spent US$500 million for property renovation program this year, and is set to spend around US$7 million more next year.

The huge investment is meant to sustain the supreme quality standard of the Shangri-La brand and meet its guests' expectations, as one of the top premier resorts in Asia.

In an interview with Shangri-La Mactan's general manager Timothy Wright he said that the Hong Kong-based Shangri-La International noted the strength of the Philippines, specifically Cebu in tourism, and spending huge amount of property improvement is a worthy move.

In fact, Shangri-La is currently building a multi-million dollar resort project in Boracay to be commercially opened two years from now.

Shangri-La's Mactan has practically undergone major facelift since last year, including the investment of the largest spa facility called "Chi Spa Village" within the 10-hectare property in Punta Engaño, Mactan Island.

According to Wright, in the Philippine environment, specifically in Mactan, wherein the environment is humid and salty, fixtures and facilities must carefully be maintained for more frequently than other business hotels.

"Things are constantly changing, we look for innovations to sustain our leadership in luxury accommodation," he said.

Last year, the 547-room five-star resort has completed the US$700,000 renovation of fine dining restaurant Cowrie Cove, now accommodating a sitting capacity of about 160, from 120 sitting capacity prior to the renovation.

Currently, the resort's lobby area is currently under construction to introduce a new look, he said.

Soon, the resort is set to open a three-level indoor Adventure Zone to enhance its facilities designed for the family market.

Wright said the Shangri-La's Mactan enjoys an average of 80 percent occupancy rate this year. He expects more rosy business next year.

The year 2005 he said is the strongest year for Shangri-La Mactan since 2000, things is expected to get much better in the next few years, owning the good tourism programs implemented by the Arroyo-led administration.

The resort's move to spend multi million pesos to refurbish the entire Shangri-La Mactan property is in time for Cebu's dire need of five-star resort and hotel accommodation brought about by the increasing awareness in the international market for Cebu as a preferred leisure and vacation hub in Asia.

Wright stressed that as of this moment the company has no plans of investing for additional room capacity and fully utilize the 10-hectare property saying Shangri-La is highly considering its space factor as a garden resort.

"If we build more structures, we will lose the landscaping beauty of the resort. Space factor is very important for us," Wright said.

Recently, Shangri-La Mactan was voted as one of the top 15 best Resorts in Asia, by respected Condenast Magazine. The property is also recognized by Thai Magazine Readers Choice Awards for two consecutive years from 2004 to 2005.