Widus International Leisure Inc., owner of Widus Hotel & Casino, has signed a hotel management agreement contract with Renaissance Hotels International Corp. Limited, the company behind the successful chain of Marriott Hotels.
The contract will allow Marriott Hotels to operate Widus Hotel’s latest development, The Marriott at Clark, which is set to break ground in May 2016.
“We are extremely pleased to be working with the Marriott brand, which is trusted all over the world for their extensive experience in managing a diverse portfolio of successful hotel brands. The Marriott at Clark represents the latest and most innovative hotel within the Widus complex, a final cap to our vision of being the preferred one-stop leisure destination,” said Daesik Han, president and chief executive of Widus International Leisure Inc.
For its part, the Marriott Hotel will bring proven systems, support and services, and its deep knowledge and experience in managing award-winning hotel brands around the world.
“At Marriott, we enjoy a strong collaborative relationship with our owners—and that, in turn, is reflected in the high levels of owner satisfaction,” said Baldwin Chua, director for hotel development of Marriott International Inc.-Asia-Pacific.
“We are honored that Widus International Leisure Inc. chose us to manage their latest hotel and we are committed to making The Marriott at Clark the most successful hotel in Clark—in terms of innovative concepts and offerings, and attentive guest care that translates to consistently delightful guest experiences, a value that we share with Widus Hotel & Casino,” Chua said.
Widus International Inc. began operating in Clark in 2008 through what was then known as Hotel Vida. In 2010, Hotel Vida changed its name to Widus Hotel & Casino, which has since embarked on an aggressive expansion program, opening a second tower, expanding its casino and building a multi-function 600-seater convention center.
In 2014,Widus International Leisure Inc. invested an additional $100 million in the Marriott Hotel, a water theme park and another casino expansion project.
Han said the Marriot project represents an investment of $50 million to $60 million.
“I am very positive about the continued growth of the Clark Freeport Zone and the tourism potential that it promises to bring,” said Han.
“Since we started in 2008, our business has been on an upward trajectory and we have enjoyed strong support and patronage from local and international tourists. This additional investment is partly in anticipation of Clark International Airport’s expansion, which will bring more tourists from Korea and other parts of Asia,” he said.
The new Marriot at Clark, rated as Pampanga’s first five-star hotel, will be built right next to the Widus Hotel & Casino. The 15-story hotel will have 260 room keys. It will feature the usual Marriott facilities such as Goji kitchen and bar, great room, pool bar, executive lounge, ballroom and meeting places.