Buoyed by an economy brimming with new investments, the iconic Apo View Hotel kicked off its re-launching on Thursday in true Dabawenyo fashion that began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, punctuated by Bagobo dancing and the beating of gongs and culminating with the blessing of its new facilities.
“We are here to blend the legend (that is Apo View Hotel) with a facility that will cater to the millennials,” said Edmundo Las, managing director of Eurotel that helps manage the newly-renovated 69-year old hotel, considered the second oldest in the Philippines next only to the Manila Hotel.
Established in 1948, Apo View Hotel began with only 15 rooms and has stood out as the hotel associated to Davao City for the past 60 years.
Today at the cost of P289 million, the hotel now boasts of 156 smartly designed rooms equipped with amenities that would appeal to both millennials and local clientele.
The centerpiece revolves around a selection of local and international cuisine at the hotel’s all-day dining buffet restaurant located at Café Josefina, at the Blue Room, at the Casino Filipino Players Club.
Las said Apo View will ‘maintain the legend’ but it has also opened the door to new innovations and designs by way of upgrading.
In a message read for her by Councilor Abigail Dalodo-Ortiz, Mayor Sara Duteterte-Carpio congratulated the hotel’s management for sustaining a landmark that has been witness to major events in the city’s history.
“It is (and remains) a major player in the industry,” added the city mayor.
Department of Tourism regional director Roberto Alabado thanked the hotel for helping boost Davao’s tourism industry through the addition of new rooms.
“China, for instance, is looking forward to our capacity to provide rooms,” he said.
Las said the hotel, unlike in the past when it relied on travel agencies to bring in tourists, has now the capacity to tap the world market to bring in the tourists.
He said the hotel is looking towards 2018 as a banner year with a projection of 85% occupancy rate.
Las said the hotel remains unique in that it is the only facility whose rooms are filled with fruits that are identified with Davao.
Earlier, marketing director Sue G. Geminiano told reporters that management has also envisioned the building of 26-story hotel to add more rooms for tourists to come.
She added that the hotel is also looking forward to achieving five-star status in the near future.
