The Department of Tourism (DOT) has met with executives of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, offering assistance from the Philippine government.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco shared the tourism sector’s regret as the five-star hotel closes the curtains on its nearly 50 years of operations in the country. Sofitel has made preparations for its closure on July 1.
“Thank you for all of the contributions that you, and the institution that is Sofitel, have made to the tourism industry. It is one that has seen our country through many seasons, and has stood the test of time. We are in complete agreement in terms of prioritizing worker and tourist safety as that is paramount over and above anything else,” Frasco said.
“We want to assure you that we will help you and the employees in any way we can,” she added.
Philippine Plaza Holdings, Inc. president and Sofitel owner Esteban G. Peña Sy said the company is grateful for the offer of assistance as they remain optimistic of future developments.
Despite strong recent performance with occupancy rates reaching 100 percent in some months in 2022 to 2023, Sy cited safety concerns as the reason for closure.
Ahead of the imminent closure, Sy confirmed separation packages and job training for affected employees.
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila is managed by AccorHotels. The management announced the hotel’s closure following unresolved lease negotiations with the Government Service and Insurance System (GSIS) and ongoing considerations regarding refurbishment due to needed repairs.
