SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) is on an ambitious expansion drive, with plans to introduce 1,700 new hotel rooms over the next four years. This significant growth will focus primarily on provincial areas to tap into the burgeoning local tourism sector.
Key provincial locations including Cauayan City, Isabela; Laguna; Cebu South Road Properties (SRP); Dasmariñas, Cavite; Laoag City; Olongapo Central, and Clark, Pampanga, will see over 1,400 new hotel rooms. Metro Manila will also benefit from an additional 300 rooms, resulting in 1,700 new rooms nationwide by 2028.
As of April 24, 2024, the Department of Tourism (DOT) recorded 2,010,522 tourist arrivals in the country, with a projection of reaching 7.7 million tourists by the end of the year.
“We are ready to support the growth in tourism as we move even closer to emerging regions to provide Filipinos and foreign travelers alike with quality accommodation,” said SMHCC Executive Vice President Peggy Angeles. “Our hotel expansion contributes to the development of local economies, creating jobs and boosting local growth through increased demand for services and products.”
Economic and employment boost
SMHCC’s expansion is poised to generate significant employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, in local communities. The development phase will require numerous skilled workers including architects, engineers, and construction personnel. Operational roles within the hotels and convention centers will range from front desk associates and housekeepers to chefs and administrative staff.
Indirectly, SMHCC will engage local suppliers for food, beverages, and other goods, fostering partnerships that benefit micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Each development project is expected to create 150-200 full-time positions, significantly impacting local economies.
Recent milestones and future plans
SM Hotels recently launched Lanson Place at the Mall of Asia, marking its entry into the serviced suites category and expanding its portfolio to 10 hotels with over 2,601 rooms, six convention centers, and two trade halls with over 42,000 sqm of leasable space as of the end of 2023.
In March 2024, SMX Convention Center Manila was honored as the Philippines’ Best Convention Center at the World MICE Awards, reinforcing SMHCC’s commitment to excellence in hosting and organizing events.
Commitment to Sustainability
SM Hotels’ expansion aligns with its Seven Green Goals (7Gs), which are anchored on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). These goals cover areas such as consumption, waste diversion, energy, greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable tourism, water use, and promoting diversity and equal opportunity.
One notable initiative is Tela Tales, a project that teaches community members to convert used hotel linens into handwoven bags, promoting social entrepreneurship and providing livelihood opportunities. Additionally, SM Hotels ensures that at least 60% of its employees are local residents and prioritizes locally sourced products to support MSMEs. Wherever possible, SM Hotels also partners and supports the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) program of SM Foundation, Inc.
“Guided by our 7Gs, SM Hotels is dedicated to uplifting the communities it serves. We strive to create livelihood opportunities in the areas where we operate to strengthen local partnerships and foster inclusive economic growth,” said Ms. Angeles.
As SMHCC expands its footprint across the Philippines, it continues to bolster the local tourism industry, drive economic development, and champion sustainability in every community it touches.