MANILA, Philippines - Two famous hotel brands – Fairmont and Raffles – simultaneously opened yesterday in Makati City, an event that is seen to boost the country’s tourism industry.
“Fairmont and Raffles are very significant brands, so we are proud that they are opened here in the Philippines simultaneously,” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. told reporters.
“These are famous, world-class brands and the fact that they are here says a lot about the present and future state of the Philippines,” he said.
Jimenez said the Philippines is ready to accept global hotel brands such as Fairmont and Raffles.
“I think with the energy you see from the (hotel) staff, someday we can make these brands our own in terms of pride and the quality of service,” Jimenez said.
Jimenez also said the tourism department is likely to achieve its target of four million tourist arrivals this year.
“We are on track. I hope the weather cooperates. We are on track to cross four million tourists this year, that’s for sure,” Jimenez said.
Present during the ribbon cutting ceremonies were Jimenez, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, Ayala Corp. chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land president Antonino Aquino, Raffles Hotels and Resorts president John Johnston, Raffles and Fairmont Makati managing director Tom Meyer, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts executive vice president David Roberts and senior vice president for Human Resources Carolyn Clark.
Fairmont and Raffles will accept reservations beginning today.
Situated along Makati Avenue, the 30-story Fairmont Makati offers 280 deluxe rooms and suites.
It also houses the Raffles Makati with 237 rooms. The five-star hotel has three restaurants and lounges, including Long Bar, inspired by the famous Long Bar at Raffles Hotel Singapore.