In 2023, the country’s travel and tourism industry experienced an exhilarating resurgence, as wanderlust triumphed over adversity. Fueled by the concept of "revenge travel," scores of Filipino travelers embarked on journeys here and abroad, and rediscovered the joy of new experiences or the pleasure of revisiting cherished destinations.
With its rapidly expanding presence in the Philippines’ travel and hospitality sector, the Gokongwei Group was an integral part of the recent tourism boom. To celebrate, the companies of the Gokongwei Travel Group, namely Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, Cebu Pacific, and Nustar Resort and Casino, hosted a thanksgiving event for its friends in media, stakeholders, and other guests in Cebu.
At the event, Gokongwei Travel Group officers showcased the unique synergy that has propelled it to the very forefront of the industry.
In his keynote speech, Barun Jolly, Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, the Gokongwei Group’s hospitality arm, emphasized RHR’s commitment toward delivering exceptional service and the hotel group’s plans for further expansion.
Over the years, RHR has strategically expanded its footprint, turning each property into an oasis tailored to the diverse needs of modern travelers. With a portfolio of hotels catering to various types of travelers, the brand has reaped multiple industry accolades, highlighted by its impressive win at the 2023 PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards. The prestigious awarding body recognized RHR as having the Best Operational Hospitality Portfolio, while its luxury hotel Fili – the first and only 5-star Filipino hotel brand – was named Best Hotel Development and Best Hotel Interior and Architectural Design.
Nonito Cuizon, Director for Marketing of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, on stage to present giveaways to media guests at the Gokongwei Travel Group thanksgiving dinner.
In 2023, RHR also received the coveted Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign of the Year Award at the 9th Virtus Awards of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA). The campaign “Let’s Go, Go, Go”, featuring the signature products Go 24/7, Go 365 and Go (Buy) Online, earned praise for creatively highlighting the hotel chain’s innovative and convenient options for travelers across the country.
The event’s impressive venue, the Nustar Resort and Casino, is a recent addition to the Gokongwei Travel Group's roster. Operated by Universal Hotels and Resorts Inc. (UHRI), Nustar is positioned as the ultimate luxury and entertainment destination. The resort's seamless integration into the conglomerate's portfolio signals a strategic move to capture a broader market, combining high-end accommodations with world-class gaming, dining, and entertainment.
Completing the Gokongwei Travel Group’s powerhouse line-up is Cebu Pacific, the country’s leading carrier. CEB currently flies to 35 domestic and 25 international destinations spanning across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. At the thanksgiving event, Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President for Customer Experience, shared the airline’s strategy of blending accessibility and innovation to capture the hearts of millions of passengers.
By further developing and maximizing synergies between Cebu Pacific, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, and Nustar Resort and Casino, the Gokongwei Travel Group is well positioned for sustained success and ready to set new benchmarks in the country’s travel and tourism sector.
Together, the group has not only weathered the storms of the travel industry but has emerged stronger, more connected, and better poised for the next phase of unprecedented growth.
For more information on the Gokongwei Travel Group, visit robinsonshotels.com, nustar.ph and cebupacificair.com
