MANILA, Philippines - What makes staycations so appealing?
Having done it a couple of times, I’d say that one really does get to save a little bit more when costs such as airfare, airport transfers, and other incidentals are cut from the equation. Then there’s the 2-3 hour wait for your flight, provided it’s not delayed.
Staying in hotels in the metro gives you the ease of mind of being relatively close to your home. And need I mention that you get to experience the world-famous Filipino hospitality that foreign tourists have come to love?
Lastly—which I think is just as important as anything else—going on staycations is also a way of supporting the Philippine hospitality and tourism industry.
If these considerations sound appealing already, MasterCard has made it even more exciting to book a staycation with friends and family as it partners with four of Makati’s iconic global hotels. From August 27-December 31, MasterCard (credit, debit, or prepaid) holders can enjoy special discounts and packages from InterContinental Manila, Holiday Inn & Suites, Raffles, and Fairmont Makati.
Eugene Tamesis (Director of Sales & Marketing, Raffles & Fairmont Makati), Ailea Zialcita (MasterCard's VP for Market Development), longtime Makati resident and philanthropist Tesas Prieto-Valdez, Mel Ignacio (Assistant VP, Ayala Land) and Christian Pirodon (Area General Manager of IHG Philippines)
During Tuesday’s launch, Mel Ignacio, Assistant VP of Ayala Land, highlighted Makati’s solid reputation as the Philippines’ leading city for business, lifestyle, entertainment, and culture.
“Today marks the beginning of our latest Makati offering since we launched or Make It Happen, Make It Makati last year,†Ignacio said. “With the launch of the Makati Staycation, it’s all about making families, friends, and tourists have the ultimate staycation and make memorable and priceless experiences. It is indeed another milestone for our Makati campaign.â€
Staycations, says Eugene Tamesis, Director of Sales and Marketing at Raffles and Fairmont Makati, has seen an increasing trend.
“We Filipinos have been doing it… usually during summer or Christmas for kids to swim and for mom and dad to go shopping and enjoy spa treatment any time without leaving the city,†Tamesis said.
Starting rates for the hotels are as follows: Holiday Inn & Suites P5,300 ++; InterContinental Manila P5,800++; Fairmont Makati P8,000++; and Raffles Makati P14,000++.
To avail of the promo, visit www.makeitmakati.com and click on the Makati Staycation icon in the homepage, choose a hotel, and register. There will also be an upcoming “Make It Memorable†online raffle promo at www.facebook.com/makati where free staycation vouchers are up for grabs.