Islands Group, which pioneered the famous Philippine island T-shirts under the brand "Islands Souvenirs," has expanded its tourism ventures into value hotels called "Islands Stay" with plans to build 100 hotels.

Jay Aldeguer, company chairman and president, told Business Bulletin they intend to build up to 100 "Islands Stay" hotels in the country.

Two "Islands Stay" have already been established in Cebu, one in Ayala Center with 32 rooms and Mactan with 56 rooms with combined investments of P45 million.

Another hotel under a franchise scheme is being put up in Puerto Princesa.

In eight years, Aldeguer expects to have 8 hotels in Cebu alone depending on the availability of location with estimated investments of P80 million.

They have three franchise prospects in Manila to be located in Alabang, Makati and Quezon City. They may go up to 100 hotels overtime to include operations in Bohol and Sabang, Palawan depending on market adaptability.

Aldeguer explained that "Islands Stay" is a value hotel that caters to the needs of tourists for quality amenities and topnotch service, safety and convenience.

"Islands Stay is not a budget or an expensive boutique hotel, but is a value hotel shaped by its brand of service," Aldeguer said.

"When we opened the hotel in Mactan, it was 100 percent occupied with more walk-in clients," said Aldeguer noting their clients are equally split between leisure and business travelers.

Aldeguer has decided to invest in value hotel concept because this is what tourists are looking for. Tourists do not normally stay in their hotel room as they prefer to explore outside, but they still want quality amenities and quality service.

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Islands group ventures into hotels