Some P250 billion worth accommodation projects are in the pipeline and will add 40,000 keys across the country, according to the Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA).

PHOA said in a report it is tracking 158 projects that would add 18 percent of capacity to the current number of keys of 220,000. 

The projects to be developed over the medium to long term will be undertaken by major property companies Megaworld Corp., Double Dragon, Henann Group, SM Group, Ayala Land, Robinsons Land, among others.

Once built, these hotels will create approximately 57,000 direct jobs in the hotel industry excluding those generated ancillary services that come with hotel operations, such as various suppliers, transport, travel, tour, tour operators and the like. 

By location, the report said Luzon has the largest pipeline of about 50 percent, driven by the economic hubs in Metro Manila as well as in the second tier and third tier cities across Luzon.

Metro Manila alone has a pipeline of around 8,000 keys. 

The report also said Visayas, being the heart of leisure destinations, accounts for 42 percent of all the keys.

PHOA is currently tracking 57 projects for about 16,000 to 16,830 keys in the region.

Mindanao has 16 projects for roughly 3,138 keys.

PHOA said Mindanao is undeserved when it comes to either locally operated or internationally branded, mid-scale products.