THE DEPARTMENT of Tourism and the provincial government of Bohol have thrown their support behind AppleOne Group Inc.’s plan to build a multi-billion-peso, five-star resort and spa that is expected to boost tourism and create hundreds of new jobs in this nature-charged destination in Central Visayas.
AppleOne recently signed a deal with Marriott International—the Cebu-based premier development group’s third partnership with the international hotel chain—to build the first five-star accommodation on this tropical Island that will be called JW Marriott Panglao Island Resort & Spa. JW Marriott is among the top luxury hospitality brands under the Marriott International group. This will also be the first JW Marriott in the country.
“In partnership with Marriott International, AppleOne is building another reason why tourists would love the Philippines; Bohol in particular,” said Ray Manigsaca, president and chief executive officer of AppleOne.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco called the Bohol project of AppleOne and JW Marriott clear evidence of investors’ confidence in the growth potential of the Philippines and the tourism industry.
“This first-ever 5-star hotel that will soon rise in Panglao, Bohol from a global brand evinces investor confidence in the Philippines under the Marcos Administration, and we thank as well AppleOne Group for its continued support and investments in hotels and resorts as these are helping build the transformation of the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia,” Secretary Frasco said in a statement.
Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado welcomed AppleOne and JW Marriott to his province and thanked the partners for bringing five-star luxury accommodations to these islands known for their Chocolate Kisses-shaped hills, intriguing tarsiers, and white sand beaches in Panglao.
“This is a game changer,” said Aumentado on his official Facebook page, elated about the new tourism investment, the jobs and new businesses it would create, and the boost to the local economy.
Bohol is the second biggest tourist draw in Central Visayas after Cebu. Visitors to the province, both foreign and local, surged to 503,368 in 2022, nearly 60 percent of them staying in Panglao, as tourists return in droves following the easing travel restrictions imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The airport in Panglao handled nearly 1.2 million passengers in 2022, the most since 2019. Development is underway to extend the runway and expand terminal facilities in anticipation of further growth in tourism to the tropical island. AppleOne’s Manigsaca said the Bohol project is the third partnership deal with Marriott International, following the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort and the Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan located within the premises of AppleOne’s upcoming mixed-use development, Mahi Center.
Manigsaca expects the large-scale development of JW Marriott Panglao to create hundreds of jobs for local residents, just like the Sheraton Cebu, which was built and developed in nearby Mactan Island several years ago at a cost of around P5 billion.
“Job creation is also one of AppleOne’s major investment goals. With Sheraton’s development in Cebu, we have generated 300 direct jobs since its opening and spurred new businesses as well. We have employed around a thousand Cebuanos through Sheraton Mactan, Mahi Center and other developments. We expect to generate similar opportunities for the locals of Bohol with JW Marriott Panglao Island Resort & Spa,” said Manigsaca.
