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Conrad Manila and Lanson Place Mall of Asia Nominated at 2025 World Travel Awards: A Look at the Growth of Luxury Bayfront Hotels and Their Impact on Tourism

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Sunday, August 3, 2025

The hospitality sector in the Philippines’ capital continues booming, especially in the luxury segment, with two properties from SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) receiving notable nominations for the 2025 World Travel Awards. These nominations highlight the growing desirability of Manila as a business and leisure travel destination while also emphasizing the role of luxury hotels in the city’s tourism development. Among the frontrunners for several awards are Conrad Manila and Lanson Place Mall of Asia, further showcasing the competitive position of Manila in the international hotel industry.

Manila, capital of the Philippines, has always been known for its dynamic economy, vibrant culture, and picturesque views of the bay. The city has evolved over the years into an attractive destination for business and leisure travelers, and its hospitality industry has adapted to the needs of the luxury segment. In 2025, Conrad Manila and Lanson Place Mall of Asia are expected to further bolster the city’s luxury offerings, which contribute to the growing recognition of Manila as a global tourism destination.

With the lifting of global travel restrictions and the increase in demand for luxury traveling, the hotel sector in Manila is responding with new upgraded offerings and additional developments. Recognition like this showcases the progress that Manila has made in regard to competing for international attention with world-class facilities.

The Rising Popularity of Bayfront Luxury Hotels

These properties in the bayfront vicinity are among the most sought after because of the convenience to the scenic view and the proximity to the business districts. As a part of the Manila hospitality industry, these bayfront properties are of great importance. To serve the needs of business and long-term travelers, bayfront Lanson Place Mall of Asia is complete with stunning views of the bay. In addition to the best of contemporary architecture and modern amenities, the guests can enjoy peaceful glimpses away from the ever-busy city.

SMHCC’s portfolio includes Conrad Manila, their flagship hotel, which is another example of a luxury hotel that makes the most of Manila’s bayfront charm. With multiple nominations in the 2025 World Travel Awards, including for The Philippines’ Leading Conference Hotel, Leading Hotel, and Leading Hotel Suite, Conrad Manila has earned a reputation as one of the best in the country for the bay’s two business centers. The hotel’s unique Forbes Ballroom and certain other world-class conference facilities positioned Manila as a key region for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) tourism, which draws business and corporate travelers from around the world.

In addition to luxurious stays, these hotels offer immersive experiences that cater to modern travelers looking for good service, stylish hotel designs, and strategic locations. Added to that is the charm of the bayfront which provides breathtaking views and a calm atmosphere for guests to work and unwind, enjoy the best of both worlds.

SMHCC’s Commitment to Filipino Hospitality and Customer Service Excellence

The service culture of SMHCC branded as, “We Go Beyond”, ascribes to personal engagement and exceptional Filipino hospitality. This philosophy is a significant contributor to the hotel group’s growing renown. SMHCC’s portfolio includes major properties like Taal Vista Hotel, Pico Sands Hotel, Radisson Blu Cebu and the Park Inn by Radisson Hotels, with some of them located all over the country. SMHCC is still growing, providing premier lodgings in strategic locations all over the Philippines. Every hotel in its collection aims to provide a unique, locally-inspired experience that makes every traveler feel embraced by the Filipino culture.

The hotel group’s strategy is clear with the two properties competing in the 2025 World Travel Awards. Conrad Manila’s unique offering combined with its chic atmosphere makes it one of the most awarded hotels in the country, even being recognized as the Philippines’ Leading Conference Hotel for six years in a row. Lanson Place Mall of Asia is also earning a reputation as a preferred accommodation for business and long staying guests by designing a modern urban escape for leisure, business, and corporate travelers.

The nomination in the World Travel Awards highlights the continued impact of SMHCC’s properties. The company’s hotels continuously develops due to its focus on anticipating guest expectations.

Luxury Hotels as Catalysts for Manila’s Tourism Growth

The luxury hotel segment in Manila is an important segment of the broader tourism industry. As the city vies with other major cities in Southeast Asia for inbound travelers, luxury hotels like Conrad Manila and Lanson Place Mall of Asia are important in drawing in big spending international customers. This also goes a long way in enhancing Manila’s stature as a major gateway for international travelers and greatly supports the earnings of the country.

The MICE tourism segment, in particular, has enabled many of the city’s luxury hotels to greatly enhance revenue. Hotels such as Conrad Manila with its modern business event facilities helps enhance Manila’s growing stature as a host city for conferences, exhibitions and trade events in the region. The city’s location and modern facilities are appealing to business travelers wanting ease and access to premier services.

Apart from the MICE sector, luxury hotels are beginning to serve the new class of leisure travelers looking for high-end services and tailored experiences. With Manila’s vibrant culinary offerings, cultural sites, and shopping hubs, luxury hotels are crucial in optimizing the visit as they ensure guests are taken to the best spots in the city.

Tailored Services: An Essential Trait of Luxury Hotels

Both Conrad Manila and Lanson Place Mall of Asia are leaders in personalized service along with other offerings tailored to their guests. Travelers today are looking for much more than a room to spend the night in, and therefore tailored stays are essential. Conrad Manila pampers guests with privately hosted exclusive experiences like the Presidential Suite Lounge and fine dining in the hotel’s signature restaurants. Lanson Place Mall of Asia augments this by providing extended-stay guests a blend of spacious home comfort with hotel services, offering unparalleled convenience.

These small details make the hotels stand out in the industry. Luxury hotels go beyond providing basic lodging by offering the entire journey. From hosting exclusive events to providing amenities and fulfilling guest requirements proactively, these hotels are adding value to each moment a guest spends at their property.

Voting and The Future of Manila’s Luxury Hotels

Manila is gaining more recognition as a travel destination with the continues need of immersive and high-end experiences from travelers. Because of this, the nomination and voting for the 2025 World Travel Awards which is opened till of August 31 signifies the importance to these two luxurious hotels, Conrad Manila and Lanson Place Mall of Asia.

Manila’s tourism is continuing to flourish as the luxurious hotels increase. The hotels are not only designing exciting new experiences for the city’s tourism but actively shaping brand new ways to influence the market for both business and leisure travel. As these hotels receive nominations for the World Travel Awards, it further validates their marvelous hospitality while showcasing the tourism industry’s strong pivot to high-caliber and bespoke traveler service.

While properties like Conrad Manila or Lanson Place Mall of Asia stand out as examples of high value tourism accommodation for Conrad Manila and Lanson Place Mall of Asia, it is important to understand the broader impact of these properties. Ease of Travel and Improvements in global brand logging is in turn, boosting the luxury hospitality sector of the nation. The Emerging Manila Luxury Travel Market is giving the World Travel Awards winners Conrad Manila and Lanson Place Mall of Asia Lanson Place first of its kind Filipino hospitality.

Similarly, The emerging Manila luxury travel market is anticipated to add around US$700 million to The regions economy Alowing the rest of the global economy to join in on the abundant opportunities available in the Philipines. These figures have a significant chance of altering based on the luxury value of contestants participating in the ’emerging market’ travel. The stunning design and rapid convenience of The Conrad cad Manila and Lanson Place Mall of Asia give these luxury hotels the essentials of them, along with the natural beauty of The regional bay.



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Beyond tours, Intrepid Travel is now opening its own hotels and resorts

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It used to be one of those unwritten laws in travel – accommodation companies did accommodation, tour companies did tours.

Intrepid’s Daintree Ecolodge.Credit:

That was before tour operators broke the mould with expansion into river and small ship cruising, a common synergy these days.

One shining exception is Abercrombie & Kent, with its A&K Sanctuary division, comprising 15 African safari camps, lodges and five Nile riverboats with plans for further expansion internationally.

Australia’s famous tour company Intrepid Travel has also made a splash into the accommodation market, recently buying a resort in Tasmania and a riad in Morocco.

Edge of the Bay – Intrepid Travel’s recent purchase on Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula.Credit:

This follows its 2023 acquisition of the Daintree Ecolodge in Queensland, and lease of a property in Hoi An, Vietnam.

It basically means cutting out the middle man – the company plans to own 20 such sites within the next three years.

Intrepid’s Australian purchase is of The Edge of the Bay, a previously family-run property on Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula that will now see Intrepid Foundation partner Greening Australia at the property, introducing new nature-based guest experiences, as well as fundraising for the NGO.

In Marrakesh, Morocco, its guesthouse was also acquired from a private owner. Guests will be able to enjoy culinary experiences in the medina and onsite, with chefs recruited via another foundation partner, the Amal Association, which provides culinary training to women in Morocco.



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World Travel Awards: Manila’s Luxury Hotels Earn International Recognition

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Monday, August 4, 2025

Manila, the busy capital of the Philippines, has some of the most luxurious and prestigious hotels in Southeast Asia. Two of these, Conrad Manila and Lanson Place Mall of Asia, both under SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), have received significant recognition at the 2025 World Travel Awards. Conrad Manila, known for its high-quality service, and Lanson Place Mall of Asia, a new player in the luxury hotel market, have both been nominated in several categories.

These nominations highlight SMHCC’s commitment to offering excellent hospitality and luxurious accommodations in Manila. As a top destination for business, leisure, and long-term stays, Manila strengthens its role as a center for world-class hospitality, with these hotels playing a big part in this growing reputation.

Conrad Manila: Consistently Leading the Way

Conrad Manila, SMHCC’s flagship hotel, has been nominated in three important categories: Philippines’ Leading Conference Hotel, Philippines’ Leading Hotel, and Philippines’ Leading Hotel Suite. For the past six years, the hotel has been recognized as the Philippines’ Leading Conference Hotel, thanks to its top-notch conference facilities and outstanding service. Its Forbes Ballroom has significantly contributed to Manila’s rising profile as a prime destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).

Guests at Conrad Manila enjoy a luxurious stay, with panoramic views of Manila Bay and easy access to the Mall of Asia and other popular sites. The hotel’s focus on excellent service and personalized guest experiences has attracted a loyal clientele among business travelers, conference attendees, and leisure visitors.

As the hospitality landscape evolves, Conrad Manila stays ahead, setting the standard for luxury hotels in Manila and the Philippines. Its consistent high level of service meets the diverse needs of travelers, establishing it as a leader in the region’s hospitality sector.

Lanson Place Mall of Asia: A Newcomer With Big Ambitions

Lanson Place Mall of Asia joins the luxury accommodations in Manila, having already made a splash with its nomination in the Philippines’ Leading Hotel Residences category. Designed for both business and long-term travelers, Lanson Place offers a modern urban escape by the bay, combining contemporary design with the comfort and convenience that today’s travelers want.

Lanson Place Mall of Asia is conveniently located near the Mall of Asia, one of the largest shopping malls in the Philippines, making it a perfect spot for those who want to explore Manila. The hotel’s simple yet elegant design offers a comfortable stay, with peaceful bayfront views that create a calming environment. It has quickly become a preferred choice for guests seeking an upscale and comfortable extended stay experience in the heart of Manila.

The nomination for the Leading Hotel Residences category reflects the hotel’s excellent service, luxurious amenities, and unique offerings tailored to long-term guests. With its prime location and dedication to personalized experiences, Lanson Place is rapidly becoming a top pick for travelers in Manila.

SMHCC: Committed to Excellence and Filipino Hospitality

Both Conrad Manila and Lanson Place Mall of Asia showcase SMHCC’s dedication to its service culture of “We Go Beyond,” which focuses on delivering personalized, guest-focused experiences. This approach is rooted in Filipino hospitality, known for its warmth, attentiveness, and commitment to making every guest feel at home.

Eugene Naughton, president of SMHCC, stated that these nominations are not just about awards but about doing the right thing for the guests. “We provide the best guest experience in the country not to win awards but because it is the right thing to do,” Naughton said. His words underline the company’s commitment to maintaining high service levels and building a solid reputation in the hospitality industry worldwide.

The World Travel Awards: Recognizing the Best in Global Hospitality

The World Travel Awards are among the most prestigious in the global travel and hospitality sector. Nominations and winners stem from votes by travelers, industry experts, and consumers, who assess various aspects of hotels, resorts, and hospitality businesses. Being nominated for these awards signifies excellence, and both Conrad Manila and Lanson Place Mall of Asia have proven themselves worthy contenders.

Voting for the 2025 World Travel Awards is now open, with winners set to be announced later this year. The recognition of SMHCC’s hotels underlines their ability to provide exceptional service and world-class amenities that compete with the best globally.

Dollywood’s Success as a Model for Excellence

While the World Travel Awards cover many categories, the recognition of Manila’s luxury hotels highlights the growing importance of unique, guest-focused experiences. The influence of properties like Conrad Manila and Lanson Place Mall of Asia extends beyond just providing accommodations; they are vital in shaping Manila’s tourism and hospitality environment. By consistently exceeding guest expectations, these hotels raise the Philippines’ profile on the global travel scene, much like other renowned international attractions.

As travelers continue to come to Manila for both business and leisure, the focus is now on the city’s top hotels, which are celebrated for their unique offerings, customer service, and overall guest experience. Whether on a short business trip or a longer vacation, visitors can now enjoy luxurious stays at some of Asia’s finest establishments.

Conclusion: Manila’s Hospitality Shines Bright in Global Rankings

With its prestigious nominations at the 2025 World Travel Awards, the success of Dollywood in the Philippines remains a guiding light for global hospitality. As hotels like Conrad Manila and Lanson Place Mall of Asia lead the way in improving luxury hospitality standards in Manila, the city’s recognition as a leading global travel destination is set to rise even higher. These accolades are a testament to the hard work and dedication of SMHCC, along with the lasting charm of Filipino hospitality that welcomes travelers from around the world. Whether for a quick escape or a longer stay, Manila’s luxury hotels are ready to provide an unmatched experience.

(Source: SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., TripAdvisor, Philippines Department of Tourism, 2025)



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Sarawak’s hotels present key performance metrics

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KUCHING, 4 August 2025: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), through its agency Tourism Malaysia, recently hosted the Hotel Data Refinement Session with Sarawak’s Hotel Industry in conjunction with the Presentation of Appreciation Certificates to Hotel Survey Samples in Sarawak. 

The event was held at the Hilton Hotel Kuching and marked the first engagement of its kind for the year.

Hotel Data Refinement Session with Sarawak’s Hotel Industry.

The session was officiated by Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director General (Planning) Shahrin Mokhtar, and brought together key tourism and hospitality stakeholders in Sarawak, including representatives from the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Sarawak Chapter, Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA), Sarawak Chapter, Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF), Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), and the National Property Information Centre (NAPIC) Sarawak.

Organised by the Strategic Planning Division of Tourism Malaysia, the session served as a platform to present the latest findings from the quarterly Paid Accommodation Survey (also known as the hotel survey), which captures key performance metrics such as Average Occupancy Rate (AOR), Average Room Rate (ARR), and guest arrivals, both domestic and international.

In addition to data sharing, a refresher on the survey’s reporting procedures was provided to ensure consistent and accurate data submission.

The session was also supported by newly appointed hotel officers in understanding their roles, while offering a platform for industry players to share feedback, challenges, and suggestions to improve the survey’s implementation and relevance.

According to Shahrin, this engagement is timely as the country prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). 

“Reliable and high-quality data is essential in supporting our national tourism agenda.

The hotel survey plays a vital role not only for Tourism Malaysia but also as a key reference for policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders,” he said.

To acknowledge outstanding contributions, Tourism Malaysia also presented certificates of appreciation and Visit Malaysia 2026 promotional materials to hotel operators who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and consistency in data submission. 

This recognition reflects the agency’s appreciation for their continued support in enhancing national tourism data.

Malaysia continues to experience a strong recovery in tourism. In 2024, the country welcomed 38 million international visitors — a 31.1% increase from 2023 and 8.3% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

The positive momentum has carried into 2025, with 13.4 million visitor arrivals recorded from January to April, representing a 21.0% year-on-year increase. 

Singapore remained Malaysia’s top source market, followed by Indonesia, China, Thailand, India, Brunei, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, and the UK.



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