Resorts World Manila (RWM) now boasts another luxury hotel after Hotel Okura – the first property under Okura Nikko Hotels to be located in the Philippines – held its official opening on Wednesday.
Hotel Okura, part of an extensive expansion of RWM that has also included Sheraton Manila Hotel and Hilton Manila, had originally been planned to open in 2018 but faced a series of delays, including those as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eventually holding a soft opening in December 2021, the 11-story hotel boasts 190 rooms, a zen rock garden in the lobby, fine dining restaurant Yamazato and all-day dining option Yawaragi serving authentic Japanese cuisine.
“We are delighted that Hotel Okura Manila officially opens today,” said Hotel Okura Co Ltd President, Toshihiro Ogita.
“At this hotel, we are confident that Okura’s ‘omotenashi’ together with the warmest Filipino hospitality … will evolve into the ultimate hospitality.”
Philippines Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat described the opening of Hotel Okura as a clear signal the country is now emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This momentous occasion heralds the recovery of the tourism and hospitality industry,” she said. “With more places now under Alert Level 1 status, we expect more tourism activity in the coming months.”
As reported by Inside Asian Gaming, the Philippines was this week declared lockdown-free for the first time since March 2020, some two months after the nation’s borders were reopened to international travelers. According to information from state-run Philippine News Agency, 265,553 foreign tourists arrived in the country between 10 February and 17 April.