The Clark Freeport Zone is gaining headway in becoming a Meetings, lncentives, Conferences, Exhibits (MICE) destination with the recent opening of a new 5-star hotel.Last Decmber 30, 2020, Hilton Clark, opened its 308-room resort complex located at the D’ Heights estate owned by Donggwang Clark Corporation (DCC).
This augurs well in the vision of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to make Clark as a MICE and tourism destination in the Asia-Pacific Region.
Recently, newly-appointed CDC President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Manuel R. Gaerlan said the state-owned firm remains focused on its on its vision to make this Freeport a “modern, sustainable aerotropolis and the preferred meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) and tourism destination in the Asia-Pacific region by (the) year 2030.”
He also recently emphasized the need to focus on the “reset, rebound, and recover” to boost Clark’s business climate amidst the harsh after effects of the pandemic.
This denotes the start of attracting more investments and opportunities in this Freeport that are geared towards fostering economic growth, under his leadership.
DCC has invested about P15 billion in its hotel resort and golf course complex on a 309-hectare scenic and hilly portion of the Freeport. It also operates a separate hotel building at the commercial area.
DCC President Lee Seong Gi, in a courtesy call on Gaerlan, expressed thanks to the state-owned firm for its support to the various developments to its leased properties.
Meanwhile, Hilton Clark is expected to heighten Clark’s economic performance in the coming years
In a statement, Hilton South East Asia Vice President for Operations Paul Hutton said that Hilton is “on a promising growth trajectory in the Philippines”. He is also confident that “Clark is well positioned to cater both business and leisure travelers within and outside the Philippines”.
As of March 2020, Clark recorded a total of 2,900 hotel rooms supplemented by 111 dining facilities, 85 convention halls, and 27 facilities for wellness, golf, and other sports-related activities.