Gokongwei-led five-star hotel to open in May

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu’s newest entertainment destination, NuStar Resort & Casino is set to open its five star hotel facility by May 2022.

Located at the South Road Properties, the Gokongwei-led development braves through the ongoing threat of pandemic pursuing the multi-billion-peso development.

Kicking off the opening of the sprawling project is the commercial operation of the 379-room Fili Hotel, a five-star genuinely Filipino hotel for discerning luxury travellers.

The location, its positioning as an integrated world-class resort, the pent-up revenge travel and business from post covid times, are few of the factors why Universal Hotels and Resorts, Inc. is encouraged to open the Fili Hotel albeit tourism sector challenges.

Lee further reasoned that countries are re-opening borders with confidence and certainty. “We believe our timing and what we will be offering hits the sweet spot to capitalize on all of these,” Lee added.

Furthermore, the Philippines he said is primed for a significant uptick in the growth of the economy and tourism over the next few years. “Cebu being a prime destination for tourism is set to capitalize on this with direct flights from within and outside of the Philippines.”

NuStar Resort & Casino will offer never-been-seen attractions in Cebu, from luxury mall, performing arts theater, skydeck, boardwalk, water theme park, and more. It will be the home of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts' three new hotel brands, including the soon to open Fili Hotel.

According to Lee, the completion of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) is a major boost to Cebu’s charm to international tourists and investors, adding to the award-winning Cebu International Airport, which is the second largest airport in the country.

“Effective February 10, 2022, fully vaccinated foreign travelers from non-visa-required countries may enter the Philippines either for business or tourism purposes. We at Fili Hotel look forward to welcoming local tourists from the Philippines and visitors from neighboring Asian countries,” he said.

NuStar targets to hire 60 percent of its staff from Cebu.  “With such a huge organization that will operate different business units from hospitality to retail, leisure, and entertainment categories, there is a tremendous opportunity for job creation and career development for Cebuanos,” Lee added.