Sailing through with Ayala Land’s mastery of the industry
Javier Hernandez, President and CEO of AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Corporation (AHRC), exudes a mix of sharp business acumen and a keen sense of hospitality trends.Under his leadership, Seda Hotels, an AHRC subsidiary, navigated the turbulent waters of the pandemic and emerged stronger. The brand saw a swift rebound, primarily driven by a surge in domestic tourism. With hotels ranking at the top in their respective markets, AHRC anticipates surpassing this year’s performance in 2024.
Adapting to Changing Guest Preferences
“We’ve observed significant shifts in guest preferences, particularly due to the pandemic’s impact,” Hernandez notes.
Seda Hotels, traditionally catering to corporate clients, witnessed a transformation towards domestic travel and staycations. In response, the hotel chain integrated digital tools, such as online check-ins and QR code-based services, to enhance guest convenience and support sustainability efforts by reducing paper use. The focus on reducing single-use plastics and incorporating eco-friendly amenities reflects a proactive approach to environmental responsibility.Future Trends and Strategic Positioning
The hospitality sector is witnessing transformative changes. Key trends include blending leisure with business travel, a rising demand for hotel workspaces, and a growing focus on holistic hospitality.
Cleanliness, contactless experiences, and nature-centric tourism are also gaining prominence. Seda Hotels’ adoption of AI in hotel operations and its readiness for the resumption of business travel exemplify its strategic alignment with these evolving trends.
Hernandez emphasizes the importance of strategic positioning: “Our presence in key urban and growth centers across the Philippines allows us to cater effectively to the needs of business travelers and corporate clients.” This strategic placement, combined with a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, enables Seda Hotels to offer tailored experiences that meet the evolving demands of the modern business traveler.
Opportunities and Growth In PH Tourism Landscape
The Philippine tourism landscape is poised for significant growth. Hernandez highlights, “The push for more infrastructure investment in projects like toll roads and airports is expected to create new tourism hotspots.”
Seda Hotels’ strategic locations and business-friendly amenities position it well to capture a significant share of the burgeoning business travel market. Moreover, the sustained growth in tourism arrivals presents opportunities for domestic travel and staycations, catering to local preferences for nature and wellness experiences.
Optimism Fueled by Economic and Industry Prospects
Hernandez’s optimism for 2024 stems from the expected growth in Philippine tourism and a solid domestic economy.
“The Department of Tourism is optimistic that the Philippines will welcome a large number of tourists by 2025,” he shares. Further, the Asian Development Bank’s consistent growth forecast for the Philippines highlights a robust economic outlook. Seda Hotels’ adaptation to anticipated hospitality trends positions it advantageously to capitalize on the evolving sector.
Leading The Way
The insights from Javier Hernandez underscore a remarkable recovery and an optimistic outlook for the hospitality industry in the Philippines.
Seda Hotels demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and forward-thinking in its approach, aligning itself with guests’ evolving needs and industry trends. As the country’s tourism landscape grows, the seasoned brand is poised to continue its trajectory of success and innovation in the dynamic hospitality sector.
