Cebu eyed for Enchanted Kingdom expansion

Enchanted Kingdom, Inc., the developer of the country's well-known theme park Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna is considering putting up the same facility in Cebu to cater to the Visayas and Mindanao markets.

"We would like to expand to other markets in the Philippines, like the Visayas and Mindanao area, best location for the planned expansion is Cebu," said Enchanted Kingdom Inc. chairman and president Mario O. Mamon in an interview

At this point in time though, the expansion plan is still part of the company's short term goal, which means that realization of this plan would still take time.

"We are still trying to feel the market in the Southern Philippines. That's the reason why we are actively participating in all promotional activities done in Cebu, like travel fairs," Mamon said.

Enchanted Kingdom was one of the biggest sponsors during the 2nd International Visayas-Mindanao, Travel, Tours, Leisure and Lifestyle Expo held at SM City Cebu over the weekend.

Mamon said putting money for development of another theme park in this side of the country is not an easy investment.

Ten years ago, when the company established the sprawling theme park in Laguna, Mamon said his company incurred about P1.2 billion investment.

If the company were to decide in putting similar facility in Cebu, it would mean bigger amount of amount, considering today's money value.

Meantime, he said Enchanted Kingdom has done several partnerships with travel operators like shipping, as well as hotel establishment tie-ups to offer attractive travel package for families and groups wanting to visit Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna.

In Cebu, the company inked a deal with Sulpicio Lines to come up with good travel package for groups and families who would like to go to the park.

He said the company is doing very active efforts to build the Enchanted Kingdom brand, as the Philippine version of Disney Land.

Aside from promoting the theme park itself, Mamon said the company has also put up huge investments in creating subsidiary companies, like souvenir manufacturers to help push the Enchanted Kingdom brand.

Enchanted Kingdom, he added is not only promoted in the Philippines, the company is also doing active promotions abroad, especially in selling the rights of Enchanted Kingdom inspired movie "Exodus".

The company produced the movie "Exodus" showcasing the tales of the Enchanted Kingdom Wizard. Mamon said this is one of the company's efforts to fully promote the Enchanted Kingdom brand here and abroad.

Once the brand will be fully established in the southern Philippine market, Mamon said the company will then pursue an investment move - it may be made through franchise or tie-up.