[ bworldonline.com ]
In a statement, the local hotel chain said the funds were used to expand Astoria Palawan’s villas, food and beverage outlets, and its waterpark.
Astoria Palawan added 30 new premier villas that have access to the Sulu Sea beachfront, which brings to 146 the eco-resort’s total number of rooms. The company has once again partnered with Cebu-based architect Ed Gallego, and with interior design firm Atelier Almario for the design of the villas.
A new food and beverage outlet, The Pavilion, is set to open within the first quarter.
Palawan Waterpark by Astoria now features a wave pool, water slides, and a lazy river, among others.
“This investment is proof of our belief in the continued growth of foreign tourists, our commitment to develop the countryside as part of our nation building efforts, and to make a positive impact on human capital by providing avenues for gainful employment to our fellow Filipinos,” Jeffrey T. Ng, president of AHR, said in a statement.
Mr. Ng noted Palawan is expected to attract more tourists after being named by New York-based magazine Travel + Leisure as the “World’s Best Island” in 2017, while Puerto Princesa’s Underground River was included in the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011.
As part of its corporate social responsibility projects, Astoria Palawan recently hosted a Sikap Pinoy event on financial education for farmers and fisherfolk. The hotel also directly buys fresh catch of fishermen and vegetables from local farmers at fair prices.
“By investing and building relationships with the local community, in the end we deliver outstanding experiences for our guests at Astoria Palawan,” Mr. Ng said.
AHR has eight properties in top destinations in Metro Manila, Palawan, and Boracay. — Vincent Mariel P. Galang
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