CEBU, Philippines - The Hotels, Resorts, and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC) moves to strengthen its partnership with government, specifically the Department of Tourism (DOT), in its effort to position Cebu as the preferred destination for both local and foreign travelers.
Newly appointed HRRAC president Cenelyn Manguilimutan said that stronger collaboration with other key organizations and the government is needed for Cebu to sustain its strength in tourism, amid challenges, including calamity disasters, such as the recent earthquake.
Manguilimutan officially assumed as HRRAC president yesterday, following the resignation of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu general manager Hans Hauri, effective October 17, 2013.
Hauri served as a member of the Board of Directors in 2006 to 2008. He was elected Vice President - Hotels in 2008-2010 and then as President for 2010-2014.
During his term HRRAC increased its membership to more than 100 members, reinforced the HRRAC Sports Festival as the single largest sports event in Cebu and elevated the Cebu Goes Culinary competition as the must-attend event where hoteliers, chefs and the academe come together for friendly competition.
In his resignation Hauri cites his role as Area General Manager for Marco Polo Hotels Philippines needing more of his time. The Marco Polo Residences Tower 1 in Cebu will open on the first quarter of 2014 and Tower 2 will open on the last quarter of the same year. He will oversee the Marco Polo Davao which is in an increasingly competitive market and his full support is needed when Marco Polo Ortigas in Manila opens in March 2014.
HRRAC Board of Directors appointed Manguilimutan, General Manager of the Parklane International Hotel Cebu, as President of the Association.
Her term will be until the next election for the presidency in November 2014. Hans Hauri will remain an adviser to the board. —/JOB (FREEMAN)