Hotels and Travel

Banyan Tree swings in to the Philippines

Singapore-listed Banyan Tree Holdings has just announced the group's first venture in the Philippines.

Banyan Tree and its partner, Salvador B Zamora II, who is a prominent businessman in both the mining and real estate industries, have agreed to enter into a joint venture to develop and operate luxury resorts on Dinaran Island in the Philippines.

The uninhabited island which covers an area of about 55 hectares and is surrounded by wonderful stretches of white-sand beach. Dinaran Island is located south of Manila in Palawan Province and is just 15 minutes away by speedboat from the town of Coron.

Guests can reach Coron through daily scheduled flights from Manila to Yulo King Ranch Airport in Busuanga, which is the neighbouring town to Coron.

Banyan Tree Hotels executive chairman Ho Kwon Ping said, "We believe Philippines will grow into an important luxury tourist destination and our resorts in Dinaran will not only enhance our position as a premier resort chain in Asia but will also give us an important foothold in a country with tremendous potential.

"We also intend to explore other development opportunities here, and seek out partnerships with local investors."

Banyan Tree Properties can be found at Direct-Hotels.co.uk