Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City Heartists® celebrated a remarkable year, achieving notable success in the hospitality and travel sectors. The award-winning team from Araneta Hotels Inc. received top honors at the HSMA Virtus Awards, demonstrating their commitment to excellence and innovation in marketing. Novotel Manila was also recognized as the Midscale Hotel of the Year by Travel Trade Media for its revolutionary e-commerce platform, My Novotel Manila Boutique, which integrates web-based commerce with hospitality services. Additionally, the team triumphed at the Accor Choir Games, showcasing their passion for music and teamwork. These accomplishments highlight a banner year for Novotel and ibis Styles Manila, solidifying their status as industry leaders.
VOICES OF VICTORY
Championing excellence in the Accor Choir Games
On October 30, Heartists® from MEA and APAC gathered for the second annual Choir Games finale, celebrating exceptional musical talent from hotel teams. This year’s theme, “Seasons of Love,” emphasized unity and compassion through music. With over 95 choirs from 22 countries and more than 3,000 participants, the event showcased music’s power to connect people.
Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City emerged as grand winners among over 1,000 hotel properties across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Their heartfelt rendition of “Seasons of Love,” inspired by the musical “Rent,” captured the essence of living in the moment and nurturing compassion. General Manager Maria Manlulu-Garcia praised the team’s spirit, stating that their performance celebrates life’s fleeting moments.
The vibrant chairs used in their performance will tour significant locations within Araneta City before traveling across the Philippines, highlighting cultural heritage and Accor’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The video production features Filipino identity through translated lyrics and traditional instruments, reinforcing that love transcends borders.
Mr. Garth Simmons, chief operating officer of Accor in Asia, expressed pride in the talent showcased during the Choir Games.
TRAILBLAZER IN TRIUMPH
HSMA Virtus Awards Sales & Marketing Leader of the Year
The HSMA Virtus Awards celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 10, 2024, honoring top talents in Philippine hotel sales and marketing. Erwin Doña III, director of Marketing and Communications at Novotel and ibis Styles, received the Outstanding Sales & Marketing Leader Award for his innovative approach to marketing communications.
Doña emphasized that marketing is a critical driver for meeting market needs and shaping strategies for revenue growth. This recognition marks his second win; he previously received an award in 2018 for a campaign celebrating Filipino heritage.
ELEVATING MARKETING INNOVATION
Midscale Hotel of the Year – Philippines at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024
Novotel Manila Araneta City was named Midscale Hotel of the Year at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 for its innovative My Novotel Manila Boutique platform. This digital service merges e-commerce with hospitality offerings, providing guests with tailored solutions that enhance convenience.
Developed during a pandemic-driven digital shift, My Novotel Manila Boutique allows guests to access exclusive offers through a user-friendly interface. Hotel manager Darwin Labayandoy highlighted its design that empowers guests to customize their experiences with various perks.
The platform also supports event planning and integrates with Accor Live Limitless (ALL) loyalty program for exclusive rewards. Through innovation and a guest-centric approach, Novotel Manila Araneta City sets new standards in the midscale hotel sector.
As they conclude a successful year marked by numerous accolades—including being crowned champions at the Accor Asia Awards—Novotel and ibis Styles Manila continue to inspire future innovations in Philippine hospitality.
