Banyan Tree heads for the Philippines
SINGAPORE – Singapore-listed Banyan Tree Holdings has announced the group’s first venture in the Philippines.
Banyan Tree and its partner, Salvador B Zamora II, a prominent businessman in the mining and real estate industries, have entered into a joint venture to develop and operate luxury resorts on Dinaran Island in the Philippines.
Banyan Tree will acquire a significant interest in the joint venture.
The parties plan to develop two resorts on the island.
The total development costs for both resorts is estimated at around US$70 million. Banyan Tree will master plan, provide architectural and interior design concepts for the resorts.
The entire project is targeted for completion in 2010.
The uninhabited island, which has an area of about 55 hectares, is surrounded by stretches of white-sand beach. Located south of Manila in Palawan Province, Dinaran Island is just 15 minutes away by speedboat from the town of Coron.
Visitors can reach Coron through daily scheduled flights of approximately one hour from Manila to Yulo King Ranch Airport in Busuanga, which is the adjourning town to Coron.
Banyan 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.”
Ian Jarrett
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