Hosted for the first time in the Philippines, the Accor Asia Leadership Conference 2026 gathered more than 300 general managers and senior executives from across Asia at Novotel Manila Araneta City. Centered on the theme “THRIVE,” the three-day event focused on the future of hospitality through performance, purpose, and people.

The conference also spotlighted Araneta City, widely known as the “City of Firsts,” while showcasing the warmth and service excellence associated with Filipino hospitality.

During the awards ceremony, Novotel Manila Araneta City received the Brand Excellence Award for Midscale & Economy, recognizing properties that demonstrate consistency, strong market presence, and elevated guest experience. The hotel earned an impressive 91.54 brand audit score, the highest in Asia.

The latest recognition adds to the hotel’s strong performance track record. In 2023, the property was named Best Food & Beverage Performer at the Accor Asia Awards and also earned nominations in five key categories, including Best Loyalty Performance and Hotel of the Year.

Meanwhile, both Novotel Manila Araneta City and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City were jointly honored with the Work of Heart Award, celebrating authentic hospitality and strong employee engagement. ibis Styles posted a 9.8 engagement score, while Novotel achieved an even higher 9.9, among the strongest results in the network.

Further underscoring its all-around excellence, Novotel Manila Araneta City was also named a finalist for Hotel of the Year 2025 and the Responsible Hospitality Award 2025, reflecting its progress toward Green Key Certification and commitment to sustainable operations.

“These recognitions are a proud moment for our entire team,” said Maria Manlulu-Garcia. “They reflect the passion, consistency, and genuine care our Heartists bring to every guest interaction.”

She added that the awards affirm the group’s commitment to delivering meaningful guest experiences while maintaining strong operational performance.

For Araneta Hotels Inc. and the broader Philippine tourism sector, the wins signal more than trophies—they represent a strong vote of confidence in the country’s ability to compete and lead in one of Asia’s most dynamic hospitality markets.