Clark Freeport regains headway as MICE choice

CLARK FREEPORT—The state-run Clark Development Corporation expressed optimism that this Freeport will slowly regains headway in becoming a Meetings, lncentives, Conferences, Exhibits (MICE) destination with the recent opening of a new 5-star hotel. 

In an initial tour for local media, Hilton Clark, a 308-room resort complex located at the D’ Heights estate owned by Donggwang Clark Corporation (DCC), is exceeding expectations since its soft opening last December 30, 2021. 

This augurs well in the vision of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to make Clark as a MICE and tourism destination in the Asia-Pacific Region. 

CDC President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Manuel R. Gaerlan earlier said that CDC is focused on its vision to make this Freeport a “modern, sustainable aerotropolis and the preferred meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) and tourism destination in the Asia-Pacific region by (the) year 2030.” 

He also recently emphasized the need to focus on the “reset, rebound, and recover” to boost Clark’s business climate amidst the harsh aftereffects of the pandemic. 

This denotes the start of attracting more investments and opportunities in this Freeport that are geared towards fostering economic growth, under his leadership. 

DCC has invested about P15 billion in its hotel resort and golf course complex on a 309-hectare scenic and hilly portion of the Freeport. It also operates a separate hotel building at the commercial area. 

DCC President Lee Seong Gi, in a courtesy call on Gaerlan, expressed thanks to the state-owned firm for its support to the various developments to its leased properties. 

Meanwhile, Hilton Clark, being a renowned brand worldwide, with its outstanding service and top-notch amenities partnered with Clark’s strategic location and accessibility, is expected to heighten Clark’s economic performance in the coming years. 

In a statement, Hilton South East Asia Vice President for Operations Paul Hutton said that Hilton is “on a promising growth trajectory in the Philippines”. He is also confident that “Clark is well positioned to cater both business and leisure travelers within and outside the Philippines”. 

As of March 2020, Clark recorded a total of 2,900 hotel rooms supplemented by 111 dining facilities, 85 convention halls, and 27 facilities for wellness, golf, and other sports-related activities.