Melo Villareal
Megaworld’s Hotel Boom: Nearly 12,000 Rooms Planned Across the Philippines by 2032
Hospitality expansion will bring new homegrown and international hotel brands to emerging tourism destinations, including Palawan and Ilocos Norte
Socrates Alvaro, who will be the Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, and Anna Vergara, who is taking the helm as Managing Director of Megaworld Global Hospitality.
MANILA, Philippines — Megaworld is ramping up its hospitality expansion, setting an ambitious goal of nearly 12,000 hotel rooms by 2032 as it strengthens its presence in some of the Philippines’ most promising tourism destinations.
The property developer plans to roll out new hotel projects in key destinations such as Palawan and Ilocos Norte, while continuing to expand across established tourism and business hubs nationwide. The portfolio will feature a combination of Megaworld’s homegrown hotel brands and internationally recognized hospitality names.
The expansion reflects Megaworld’s broader strategy to build a more diversified and globally oriented hospitality business while contributing to the continued growth of Philippine tourism.
To support this next phase, the company has established Megaworld Global Hotels and Resorts (MGHR), which brings together its expanding hotel portfolio under two specialized groups.
Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) will oversee hotel developments in Metro Manila, Boracay, Batangas, and Cebu. Meanwhile, Megaworld Global Hospitality (MGH) will manage Mövenpick Manila Bay Westside, described as Megaworld’s largest hotel property, along with upcoming hotels in Palawan and three properties in Iloilo: Courtyard by Marriott, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, and Belmont Hotel Iloilo.
Megaworld President and CEO Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso said the hospitality expansion is part of the company’s contribution to strengthening Philippine tourism and making the country more attractive to international travelers.
“We see tourism as one of the most powerful engines of sustainable economic growth,” said Kevin L. Tan, President and CEO of Alliance Global Group, Inc., Megaworld’s parent company.
According to Tan, each hotel development creates employment opportunities, supports local businesses, attracts visitors to emerging destinations, and helps communities benefit from tourism.
Through MGHR, Megaworld aims to showcase more Philippine destinations, culture, and Filipino hospitality to travelers from around the world.
Two Hospitality Leaders, One Vision
Megaworld has tapped two experienced hospitality executives to lead the newly organized groups.
Socrates Alvaro will serve as Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, bringing nearly two decades of hospitality leadership experience to the role. His career includes senior positions within Megaworld Hotels & Resorts as well as professional experience across major hospitality markets in the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, the Maldives, Thailand, and other parts of Asia.
Anna Vergara, meanwhile, will lead Megaworld Global Hospitality as Managing Director. She brings more than 32 years of experience with Marriott International, where she developed extensive expertise in hotel operations, leadership, and team development.
Their combined experience is expected to strengthen MGHR’s ability to balance Megaworld’s homegrown hospitality expertise with international hotel management standards.
Iloilo Strengthens Megaworld’s Hospitality Portfolio
Megaworld’s hospitality business has already been gaining momentum, with the segment emerging as the company’s fastest-growing recurring income business during the first half of 2026.
Hospitality revenues reached PHP 3.1 billion, representing an 11% increase during the period. The performance was supported by the opening of Belmont Hotel Iloilo, a 405-room property located within the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park.
The new hotel is Megaworld’s third property in Iloilo Business Park and is now the largest hotel in Iloilo City based on room inventory.
With the addition of Belmont Hotel Iloilo, Megaworld’s hotel portfolio in the city has grown to nearly 1,000 rooms, further reinforcing Iloilo Business Park’s position as a major mixed-use destination for business and leisure travelers.
Expanding Beyond Traditional Tourism Hubs
Megaworld’s upcoming developments in destinations such as Palawan and Ilocos Norte point to a strategy that goes beyond established urban centers and resort destinations.
By investing in hotels in emerging tourism markets, the company is positioning its hospitality business to benefit from the growing demand for leisure travel while helping introduce more destinations to domestic and international visitors.
The planned expansion also reflects the broader potential of Philippine tourism, where new accommodations can play an important role in creating jobs, supporting local enterprises, and encouraging longer stays.
With nearly 12,000 rooms targeted by 2032, Megaworld is positioning its hospitality arm for a larger role in the country’s tourism landscape—one that combines destination development, international hospitality expertise, and distinctly Filipino experiences.
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