BEFORE the pandemic unexpectedly hit, holidays meant a time when people went on staycations and resorts were filled with families looking to have a good time, sipping drinks by the pool or wading at the shore of a beachfront. Both foreign and domestic hospitality industries were booming since virtually everyone had easy access to accommodation discounts and promos.
High spirits dwindled as the Philippine hospitality industry took a severe blow when the Covid-19 pandemic took off. Travel restrictions prevented people from booking hotels and resorts, leaving these establishments struggling for room occupancy and consequentially, stable revenue. According to Colliers, in the first half of 2020, hotel occupancy in Metro Manila fell from 71 percent to 25 percent due to a sharp decline in foreign arrivals. Moreover, a significant number of hotels closed their doors and laid off hospitality professionals and personnel.
Continue reading with one of these options:
Ad-free access
P 80 per month
(billed annually at P 960)
- Unlimited ad-free access to website articles
- Limited offer: Subscribe today and get digital edition access for free (accessible with up to 3 devices)