Department of Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano led the formal proclamation of the Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa as a Tourism Economic Zone last January 30, along with Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Lilia de Lima and Mr. Park Jong Hwan, president of Philippine BXT Corporation, the developer of the resort.
The Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa, the first Tourism Economic Zone in Cebu, is an 8 - hectare luxury resort located in barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City which features 557 first class rooms, a 6,188 square meter pool, fancy restaurants, a full service spa, and a grand ballroom among other facilities.
Phil. BXT Corporation Vice President Bruce Chiongbian said the Department of Tourism classified the Imperial Palace as a deluxe hotel in an AAA resort. The Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa, he added, is already 90 percent complete and is set to have its soft opening next month. The resort is expected to be fully operational in April.
Secretary Durano said that the development of the Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa in Mactan is a sign that despite the current global situation, tourism in the country has remained resilient. “The best is yet to come in Philippine tourism,” he said.