Five-star property pioneers resort-based shopping hub

CEBU, Philippines - Plantation Bay Resort and Spa announced to open a small luxury shopping destination within its 11.5 hectare property in barangay Marigondon, Mactan Island.

In a press conference yesterday, general manager Efren P. Belarmino bared the establishment of a two-storey shopping facility within the five-star property to meet the demand of tourists for a shopping station, apart from the traditional souvenir items available in every hotel or resort.

The over 100-square-meter shopping haven is planned to house several high end or signature brands from bags, to fashion accessories, among others.

According to Belarmino, as shopping is one of the top itinerary of tourists, specifically for Taiwanese visitors, the resort decided to invest on this facility, which is also a pioneering move.

From the resort, guests usually go to the nearest shopping malls in Lapu-Lapu City. "What we will be offering are high end brands or designer names."

Initially, the resort is looking at, at least four tenants to occupy the first-ever resort-based shopping destination in Cebu. "We still have to finalize our deals with prospective tenants."

What is certain, he said is that the exclusive shopping hub will host luxurious designer brands.

The construction of the shopping component, Belarmino added is meant to prepare for the more robust tourism sector Cebu in the coming months. In fact, just like other accommodation properties in Cebu, Plantation recorded highest average occupancy rate this year.

In the month of August alone, the resort recorded 91 percent average occupancy rate, with 78 percent occupancy performance year-to-date.

 The 255-room water surrounded resort facility started its major renovation program last year, updating most of its room aesthetics, interiors, facilities, fixture, among others, also to catch up with the modern preference of tourists.

By the end of this year, about 60 percent of the resort's rooms have already been upgraded.

The 20-year old resort, which is the only Cebuano-owned five-star resort in Mactan Island, had been doing soft facility upgrades in the last few years, but only in the last couple of years that it ventured into a major renovation program and expansion moves. (FREEMAN)