The island of Mactan in Cebu has welcomed a significant new addition to its hospitality landscape with the soft opening of Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan. This launch represents a key milestone for the developer and underscores the sustained recovery and investor confidence in the region's tourism and business sectors.
A Strategic Debut in a Growing Gateway
Developed by the Cebu-based AppleOne Group, the new property is the first operational component of the Mahi Center mixed-use development. The nine-story hotel introduces 196 rooms to the area, strategically located near the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. This opening marks the debut of the Fairfield brand on the island and establishes it as Marriott International's first city hotel within Mactan.
The move highlights how global hotel operators are deepening their investment in the Visayas, one of the Philippines' fastest-growing destinations. AppleOne Group, which also developed the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, continues to shape Mactan's profile as a premier hub for both business and leisure.
Features and Target Market
The hotel, situated within Mactan Economic Zone 1, offers accommodations across three distinct room categories. It also provides more than 250 square meters of dedicated meeting and event space, designed to cater to corporate meetings, intimate conferences, and social gatherings.
This expansion complements the broader Mahi Center development, which includes a five-story office tower and a three-level boutique lifestyle mall. The complex is poised to become a new commercial and leisure nexus for the island.
Confidence in Cebu's Long-Term Growth
In a statement, Duke Nam, Marriott International's regional vice president for Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines, emphasized the strategic importance of Mactan. "Mactan is a key gateway in the Visayas, and this opening reflects our confidence in the island's long-term growth as a business and tourism destination," he stated. Nam also revealed plans for further expansion in high-demand locations across the country.
For the local developer, the project carries a personal significance. Samantha Manigsaca, AppleOne Group's vice president for hospitality, shared, "Cebu has always been our home, and with Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan, we wanted to create a space that reflects Mactan's quiet strength and optimism."
The property will be managed by Dottie V. Würgler, who also serves as the multi-property general manager for the Sheraton Cebu Mactan. She noted that the new hotel broadens the group's portfolio in Cebu, effectively serving the rising demand from both corporate and vacation travelers.
Furthermore, the hotel will participate in the Marriott Bonvoy global loyalty program. This integration is a strategic move as international chains compete for a larger share of the growing domestic and inbound travel spending in Cebu.
The opening of Fairfield by Marriott arrives as Cebu continues its robust post-pandemic recovery, marked by steady increases in tourist arrivals and renewed investment activity across various sectors. This new hotel is more than just added room capacity; it is a tangible vote of confidence in the future of Mactan as a leading lifestyle and economic destination.
