Panglao resorts 'fully booked;' rates have increased by 100%

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — Hotels and resorts in Panglao are now fully booked through the Holy Week, with reservations done as early as last January.

Most of the resorts even increased their rates for those booked this week by a difference of P600, while some raised their rates by 100 percent or double the usual amount. They assured though that the usual rates will return by April 25.

The Alona Kew White Beach in Tawala, Panglao, however, imposed the lowest increase and set their room rate at P615 only. It has more foreign guests than Filipinos during Holy Week, with advance bookings placed as early as November last year.

The Bohol Divers Beach Resort, also in Tawala, is among those who maintained their rates even on Holy Week.

According to its front desk officer, Filipinos comprise about 60 percent of their guests, while the rest are foreigners, and advance bookings started since February.

The Dumaluan Beach Resort in barangay Bolod of Panglao also has Filipinos comprising 70 percent of its guests, and only 30 percent are foreigners during the Holy Week.

It had increased its rates but, by the second week of this month, the resort was already fully booked for the April 21 to 23 accommodations.

Other resorts in Panglao confirmed to have more Filipinos than foreign guests during Holy Week every year and they usually raise rates just for the week-long vacation and return to old rates after. Most of the guests are coming in groups, they said. — THE FREEMAN