The hotel industry lost 60 to 70 percent of their revenues during the strict lockdowns when they were not allowed to operate.
Benjamin Martinez, president of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) said the estimated loss is when the government changed the quarantine category from general community quarantine to enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified ECQ (MECQ).
During ECQ and MECQ, hotel restaurants, meeting, incentives, conferences and exhibitions as well as socials and staycations are not allowed.
Yet the HSMA continues to find ways to create demand and maintain operations during these restrictions, catering to returning overseas Filipinos.
In a press conference, Martinez led the launch of the second run of the September Online Sale (SOS) despite the ongoing crisis.
“We cannot ignore the very same market just waiting for this opportunity to buy hotel accommodation and dining vouchers at marked down prices. Secondly, we want our buying public to know the hospitality industry is still alive and kicking,” Martinez said.
He said the group came up with the project “to revive interest in the hospitality industry.”
Martinez said HSMA wanted to provide an online selling platform for consumers of various hotels and resorts and offer the best rates possible.
Martinez believes travel could help jumpstart the recovery of the Philippine hospitality industry.
He said travellers should take advantage of this online sale, where they can avail of up to 70 percent discount.
At the SOS, HSMA members can promote and market their respective properties as well as their other products to a captive market, Martinez said.
HSMA targets to double last year’s P14 million sales.
This year’s edition is a 30-day event from September 15 to October 15 with 80 hotels and resorts participating. – Irma Isip
