Local hotel executives see bright prospects in the Philippine hotel industry as it encouraged investors to join in the upcoming 1st Philippine Hotel Investment Conference slated on August 20, 2010 at the SMX convention Center, in Pasay City.

The conference is set to explore sustainable business and investment opportunities and discuss key developments in the Philippine hotel industry.

“We are optimistic that demand for the local hotel industry will continue to grow,” said Merril F. Yu, Chief Executive Officer, Y&S 1847, a hotel investment and development company.

Yu said the 1st Philippine Hotel Investment Conference is a must for all looking to participate in the present and ever growing tide of Philippine Hotel investments and is the seminal hotel industry event of the year and for our times.

The conference is organized by Food and Hospitality (F&H) Events Specialist, Inc. and Y&S 1847 have assembled leading international and Philippine hotel executives and hospitality industry experts for the conference.

“We are honored to host a significant representation of hospitality’s movers and shakers and share in their invaluable knowledge and experience for the 1st Philippine Hotel Investment Conference. Their active participation in our conference reflects the tremendous optimism they hold in the immediate future of our Philippine Tourism Era,” said Yu.

Among the high-profile internationally-based panelists are: Serena Lim, Vice President, Starwood Hotels; Thomas Monahan, Executive Vice President — International Development, Wyndham Hotel Group; Aiyi Lim, Director of Development, Wyndham Hotel Group; Patrick Basset, Vice President of Operations, Accor; Xerxes Meher Homji, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Carlson Hotels Worldwide; Guy Phillips, Vice President Development Asia Pacific, Hilton International Asia Pacific; Simon Pearson, Vice President Marketing and Development, Marco Polo Hotels.

For Philippine-based panelists include: Annabelle Wisniewski, President, HSAI - Raintree Partners; Jose Mari del Rosario, Chief Executive Officer, Microtel Hotels & Resorts (Philippines); Al Legaspi, Chief Operating Officer, Ayala Hotels, Inc.; Rey Villar, Executive Vice President, Federal Land; Arthur Gindap, Country General Manager-Philippines, Ascott International.

For his part, Adolf Aran Jr. F&H President said: “With our recognized hospitality heritage and unparalleled richness and diversity in scenic natural attractions, the Philippines proves to be an ideal investment location for both foreigners and locals. There are many diamonds in the rough just waiting for the right opportunity to be discovered.”

The conference organizers have created a program tailor-fit to address emerging industry trends and offer timely solutions.

Delegates to the 1st Philippine Hotel Investment Conference will also be treated to insightful roundtable discussions, sponsor exhibits, private appointments and networking opportunities with the world leaders of the hospitality industry.