Hotels urged to offer curated packages as travelers seek more value

HOTEL operators are being urged to design curated packages and promotions to attract more guests, as evolving traveler preferences highlight the need for more personalized offerings.

A recent survey by Colliers Philippines on hotel guest preferences showed that long-staying business travelers tend to prefer room upgrades while short-staying leisure travelers value inclusions such as buffet breakfasts and free access to amenities.

According to the survey, 46 percent of respondents said they would prefer a room upgrade in exchange for a 30 percent discount on room rates. This was followed by a buffet breakfast (38 percent) and access to amenities such as gyms, pools, and spas (17 percent).

“This presents an opportunity for hotel operators to create tailored packages that meet the needs of distinct guest profiles,” Colliers said. “Long-staying business travelers may lean toward premium room perks, while short-term leisure tourists could prioritize value-added features like meals and wellness amenities.”

The firm encouraged hospitality stakeholders to use this data to craft promotions that enhance guest experiences and boost occupancy rates— especially as the Philippines’ travel and tourism sector continues to recover strongly.

Top domestic destination

Meanwhile, Cebu remains a top-of-mind domestic travel destination among Filipino travelers, ranking just behind Palawan, Boracay and Bohol.

Based on survey results, 34 percent of respondents chose Palawan as their preferred local destination, followed by Boracay (23 percent), Cebu (15 percent) and Bohol (10 percent). Other notable destinations include Bacolod (eight percent), Iloilo (six percent) and Davao (three percent).

Colliers said this sustained interest in top local destinations reaffirms the strong appeal of beach and leisure tourism in the country.

Palawan’s global recognition continues to rise, underscored by its 13th-place ranking in the 2024 Travel + Leisure list of the World’s Best Islands. For 2025, it has once again been shortlisted, alongside Panglao Island (Bohol), Mactan Island (Cebu), and Boracay Island (Aklan)—affirming its status as a premier global and domestic travel hotspot.

High tourism traffic in these areas also tends to attract significant real estate investment, with developers such as Megaworld, Filinvest Land Inc., Robinsons Land, Sta. Lucia Land, Vista Land, and Ayala Land heavily investing in Palawan.