Top hotel execs at 1st Philippine Hotel Investment Conference

MANILA, Philippines - Food and Hospitality (F&H) Events Specialist, Inc. and Y&S 1847, a hotel investment and development company, have assembled the leading international and Philippine hotel executives and hospitality industry experts to kick off the 1st Philippine Hotel Investment Conference on Aug. 20, at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. The conference is set to explore sustainable business and investment opportunities and discuss key developments in the Philippine hotel industry.

Among the high-profile internationally based panelists are: Serena  Lim, vice president, Starwood Hotels; Thomas Monahan, executive vice president—International Development, Wyndham Hotel Group; Aiyi Lim, director of development, Wyndham Hotel Group; Patrick Basset, vice president of operations, Accor; Xerxes Meher Homji, executive vice president and chief development officer, Carlson Hotels Worldwide; Guy Phillips, vice president development Asia Pacific, Hilton International Asia Pacific; Simon Pearson, vice president marketing and development, Marco Polo Hotels.

Philippine-based panelists include: Annabelle Wisniewski, president, HSAI - Raintree Partners; Jose Mari del Rosario, chief executive officer, Microtel Hotels & Resorts (Philippines); Al Legaspi, chief operating officer, Ayala Hotels, Inc.; Rey Villar, executive vice president, Federal Land; Arthur Gindap, country general manager -Philippines, Ascott International.

Moderators: Narzalina Lim, Former Tourism Secretary, Asia Pacific Projects, Inc.; Fraser Hickox, Hall of Fame, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals; Vicky Aldaba, president, Shaping Hospitality Now; Cyndy Tan Jarabata, president, Tajara Leisure Hospitality Group, Merril Yu, former EVP SM Hotels & Entertainment and CEO, Y&S 1847.

Speakers: David Young, managing director, Colliers International; Roberto Lim, former senior vice president, Philippine Airlines, Monica Au, managing director, Landor Associates.

“We are honored to host a significant representation of hospitality’s movers and shakers and share in their invaluable knowledge and experience for the 1st Philippine Hotel Investment Conference. Their active participation in our conference reflects the tremendous optimism they hold in the immediate future of our Philippine Tourism Era,” says Merril Yu, chief executive officer of Y&S 1847. 

With the increase of international and domestic tourists, the upward projection is largely expected to continue well over the next years. Consequently, the demand for more facilities and accommodations beckons prospects for immediate investment.

 “With our recognized hospitality heritage and unparalleled richness and diversity in scenic natural attractions, the Philippines proves to be an ideal investment location for both foreigners and locals. There are many diamonds in the rough just waiting for the right opportunity to be discovered,” states Adolf Aran, Jr. F&H president.

 The conference organizers have created a programme tailor-fit to address emerging industry trends and offer valuable insight. Delegates to the 1st Philippine Hotel Investment Conference will also be treated to engaging roundtable discussions, sponsor exhibits, private appointments and networking opportunities with the world leaders of the hospitality industry.   

“The 1st Philippine Hotel Investment Conference is a must for all looking to participate in the present and ever growing tide of Philippine Hotel investments and is the seminal hotel industry event of the year and for our times,” concludes Merril Yu.    

For more information, call Global-Link MP Events International, Inc. and look for Giselle Wilwayco at 750-8588 or e-mail giselle.wilwayco@globallinkmp.com.ph.