The Marriott at Clark, Widus’ latest development that is expected to cost some $50 million to $60 million, is being touted as Pampanga’s first five-star hotel. The 15-storey development will sit on a 3.2-hectare lot right next to the existing Widus Hotel and Casino.
Widus International President and CEO Daesik Han said the Marriott project was part of a US$100-million expansion plan announced last year.
He said around US$50-60 million would be used for the developement of the Marriott at Clark, while the remaining US$40-50 million would be used to build a recreational water facility and for casino expansion.
The Marriott at Clark will have approximately 260 rooms and is set to break ground in May 2016. The project is expected to be completed by the first or second quarter of 2018.
Baldwin Chua, Asia-Pacific director for hotel development of Marriott, said they were hoping to establish a premium venue for meetings and conventions in Clark with international standards.
He added that the Marriott at Clark would be the third Marriott-branded hotel in the Philippines, aside from the Marriott hotel in Manila and the Marriott hotel in Cebu.
Chua said the partnership between the two hotel groups was a “great opportunity to enhance Clark’s position as a leisure and business destination.”
Han also expressed optimism, saying: “I am very positive about the continued growth of the Clark Freeport Zone and the tourism potential that it promises to bring.”
“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 added.