Islands Group launches new value hotel chain

CEBU, Philippines -  In its thrust to fill in the gap of providing tourism related facilities and services in the country, the Islands Group of Companies is going to pioneer the introduction of value-chic hotel chain in the country starting this year.

The company, led by tourism capitalist Jay P. Aldeguer has created a new subsidiary called Islands Stay Hotels Inc., to open up at least five to six locations in Cebu alone in next three years, while currently negotiating for targeting the key locations such as Cebu, Manila, Davao and Baguio.

In an interview with Aldeguer, who is the chief executive officer (CEO) and president of the company, he said that the establishment of the new subsidiary will be following the company’s business model to find existing buildings in key locations where it can build a hotel around it.

Although, it is positioned as affordable and value-for-money hotel, Aldeguer said the new hotel brand provides the basic necessities of a traveler, such as Internet WiFi free in every room, hot and cold, cable TV, and bar, and an iPod rental offer, among others.

Already the company has invested at least over P20 million for the establishment of two Islands Stay Hotel in Cebu, located at the Archbishop Reyes street, adjacent to the Cebu Business park, and one on Mactan Island.

“Our business model allows us to move fast,” Aldeguer said adding that the brand is also open for franchise package, especially to those hotels that will be located outside of Cebu.

The 35-room Islands Hotel near Ayala Center Cebu will be fully operational next month, although now it already accepts guests, he said.

Its room accommodation description is labeled after the Group’s mother company Islands Souvenirs Inc. (ISI) T-shirt sizes, which is small, medium, large and extra –large.

The Mactan facility which will also be opened soon will have bigger accommodation facility of 60 rooms.

The Islands Group operates several subsidiaries, such as the Islands Banca Cruises; retail chain Islands and More, Islands Shuttle Services, the Talima Adventure and Water Park, among others.

According to Aldeguer, this concept has been thought of by the company few years back, realizing the need to meet the demands of new lifestyle and requirement of travelers today.

“You see, travelers need only a room [no frills room]. They only sleep in the hotel and not usually linger, they want to explore the place most of the day. There seems to be to be a changing travel-lifestyle of people today. They are direct to the point. Even our check-in process is much faster, ” said Aldeguer.

Patterned after the traditional “bed and breakfast” accommodation, which is very popular in Europe, the introduction of Islands Stay Hotels brand is going to pioneer the another segment in the accommodation industry, which value for money is highlighted, without sacrificing the quality of stay and the basic necessity of the guests. (FREEMAN)