Park Inn by Radisson Clark
Clark in Pampanga is enjoying a tourism investment renaissance, thanks to the forthcoming expansion of its airport and the growing number of property developers lured by prices half of those in nearby Metro Manila.
Poised to become the premier gateway in Pampanga once completed, the construction of Clark International Airport’s new passenger terminal building will begin in 2016. It will have a capacity to handle three million passengers a year.
The second phase will be an expansion of the same terminal building so it can handle an additional five million passengers annually.
Several foreign airlines already operate to Clark International Airport. Even AirAsia Philippines, whose hub is now in Manila, would want to return to Clark if the planned road network connecting to Manila/Makati pushes through.
On the property front, the 164-key Park Inn By Radisson recently opened in December in Clark while the 77-key Best Western Plus Hotel opened in Subic. Both are aimed at business and leisure travellers.
Located in the 288ha Clark Green City, the five-star Midori Clark Hotel and Casino has soft-opened in December. The 111-room establishment boasts outdoor bathtubs on balconies in some of its suites. Rooms also feature high-end Dedon furniture, Sealy beds, and Acca Kappa and L’occitane bathroom amenities.
Darlene Achumbre, assistant sales and marketing manager of Midori Clark Hotel, said Clark is already a fast-growing business and leisure destination, and that the expansion of Clark International Airport will create more flights, improve business prospects and boost tourism.
Set to open in 2017 is the 260-room five-star Marriott at Clark, launched in partnership with the Korean owner of Widus Hotel & Casino, which has also invested in a 600-seat convention centre.
Also, Korean company Donggwang Clark Corp will build an international hotel brand in its Clark SunValley Resorts and Country Club. The property’s two 18-hole championship golf course are already open.
Clark’s potential was why Afro Asian Travel and Tours president and managing director Angel Ramos Bognot decided to base the annual international event, B2B Travel Business Exchange, in Clark, beginning since 2015.
“Logistically speaking, Clark makes (the show) easy to manage; it’s near Manila, it’s safe and secure and the airport is one of the best in Asia. It’s a growing destination,” Bognot pointed out.
Bognot added that attractions including the Fontana’s Water Theme Park, Dinosaur Island, Zoobic Safari, and Zoocobia Fun Zoo will add to Clark’s appeal to families.
This article was first published in TTG Asia, January 8, 2016 issue, on page 18. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe.
