When Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu opened in 2010, Cebu was at the cusp of a transformation with its improving infrastructure and growing business travel. It was also emerging as an alternative to Metro Manila for investments, conventions, large events, and even personal celebrations. Fifteen years later, the hotel’s anniversary offers a lens into how a single hospitality development can influence a city’s real estate and economic direction.
Celebrating its anniversary with the theme Shining Through, inspired by the crystal that symbolizes the 15th year, Radisson Blu Cebu marked a milestone in a market that had matured alongside it. The pivotal moment featured the Crystal Gala Dinner and Christmas Concert, directed by maestro Nestor Jardin, with performances by tenor Arman Ferrer, soprano Sheila Valderrama, the Cebu Normal University Chorale, Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, and the Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra.
At the forefront of Cebu’s evolution
From the outset, Radisson Blu Cebu was positioned as an internationally branded hotel capable of supporting the city’s goals in the MICE segment. Its arrival helped expand Cebu’s capacity to host high-level gatherings, adding to the growing mix of nearby commercial and mixed-use developments.
In 2017, the hotel hosted the ASEAN Summit, welcoming world leaders and delegates. This placed Cebu on the radar as a destination for diplomatic-scale events and gave confidence in the city’s ability to sustain business travel and international engagement.
Beyond conferences, the property has also become associated with the city’s social and lifestyle scene. Its function spaces and wedding offerings, highlighted by the annual Something Blu bridal fair, have made it a consistent venue for large gatherings, reflecting the role of a major hotel in supporting the city’s evolving hospitality and lifestyle demands.
Staying power and recognition
After 15 years in a highly competitive market, Radisson Blu Cebu’s recognition as Hotel of the Year in Asia Pacific by the Radisson Hotel Group, along with its Operational Excellence Awards in 2023 and 2024, points to the kind of consistency investors value in long-term hospitality assets.
Its inclusion in Travel+Leisure Asia Pacific’s Top 10 Best City Hotels in the Philippines for 2024 also shows how a well-managed property can remain relevant even as newer developments enter the market.
Supporting community beyond business
As it marks its anniversary, the hotel also supports its community through initiatives such as Skills Behind Walls in partnership with the Cebu City Jail Women’s Dormitory. Such efforts demonstrate that major developments contribute and create a real impact on their host communities.
After 15 years, Radisson Blu Cebu proved how a hotel can anchor growth and stay relevant as Cebu City evolves, serving as a witness to change and a quiet driver of the city’s development.
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