Imperial Palace eyes Russia, other markets

CEBU, Philippines - After establishing a strong hold in an international market, Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa continues to broaden its reach by strengthening its presence in more foreign and domestic markets.

Known for the large number of Korean visitors which owns an average 70 percent of the resort’s occupancy rate, Imperial Palace is now grateful for the name they are building in other international markets like Russia as well as the surge in local visitors.

“It’s a great third year for us,” said Dominic Dorol, director for Sales and Marketing who explained that their biggest market are the Koreans since The Imperial Palace started in Seoul, Korea before it expanded to different countries including Cebu in 2009. “Koreans are very good patrons of their own brand.”

But the past year has been strong for The Imperial Palace Cebu as they saw the increase in guests from other markets, and they continue to attract the attention of other countries as well.

Dorol said that they are looking forward to tapping the market of Singapore, Malaysia, Hongkong and Taiwan. He added that they are eyeing opportunities to work with the Department of Tourism to open the door for countries like Australia to have an easier access to the Philippines, especially to Cebu. He said this would be possible if there would be direct flights from Australia to Manila. Right now, they only see Phuket and Bali as a destination.”  

They are also looking forward in partnering with major travel groups and agencies to offer the best packages for different markets. Aside from Australia, they are also hoping to increase tourist arrivals from the United States.

Emet Sendin, the Events Manager of Imperial Palace said that a number of their events for weddings most especially are those from the United States.

“Since the time we have pushed for Imperial Palace as the perfect destination for weddings, we have received various reservations and inquiries on the exciting packages that we can offer.”

Aside from weddings, Sendin said that they are happy to have accommodated more events, social functions, team buildings, and other activities this year.

The Imperial Palace, which will be celebrating its third anniversary, is the country’s first waterpark resort with five different pools, three water slides, a private beach, over eight restaurants, five function rooms and other facilities that could support any event.

Sendin said that they also cater to requests for personalized team building events, parties and they also have sports, arts and crafts activities for kids to enjoy.  

Further, they said that they are looking forward to implement their plans for next year which is expected to attract more guests.

First is a new look and feel for the Palace with a clear and concise branding, “Experience the Palace.”

They assured that they will also maintain plus improve their customer-centric approach, by providing the best kind of service to their customers. One way for them to show their appreciation is through a unique loyalty rewards program which is beyond just rewarding but on appreciating their guests. “How you can experience the palace more for less,” said Dorol.

They will also be adding a mobile site with booking applications which will make it more convenient for guests to make inquiries and bookings. “This is part of our premiere guest relations system that will be beyond satisfying customer relations.” (FREEMAN)