City of Dreams Manila’s crown jewels and three Forbes-rated hotels – Nüwa Manila, Nobu Hotel and Hyatt Regency Manila – bagged the 2022 Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Green Hotel Award at the recent ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Cambodia. An accolade ceremony of the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards that started in 2008 under the auspices of the region’s national tourism organizations,  the ASEAN Green Hotel Award recognizes hotel industry players whose operations are based on the achievement of sustainable tourism through environment-friendly principles, resource consumption reduction and local community involvement.

In acknowledging the ASEAN Tourism Awards bestowed on the hotels and other tourism stakeholders in the Philippines, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said that the recognition of the Philippine hotels and cities are a reflection of the industry’s commitment to maintain the highest standards of tourism despite the pandemic.

“It is an honor to our commitment to the highest standards of sustainable operations and CSR initiatives that our three hotels are recognized with this prestigious award. Practicing sustainable tourism even during these unprecedented times echoes the ‘Above and Beyond’ vision of our parent company, Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Melco) on our long-term and comprehensive sustainability strategy. We will continue to be a force of good not only within the Philippines and regional tourism industry but also for the planet and the people, as espoused by the ASEAN Tourism Awards,” City of Dreams Manila Property President Geoff Andres said. 

The hotels, situated in City of Dreams Manila, undertake various environmental and CSR projects geared towards contributing to a more sustainable future and the upliftment of communities they serve. The luxury integrated resort’s numerous green initiatives are focused on renewable energy and other initiatives on energy efficiency, being the first integrated resort in the country to install solar panels. Water conservation projects including reuse of treated grey water, plastic waste reduction with the replacement of single-use plastic bottles in hotel rooms with reusable and refillable, convenient pump bottles, and sustainable sourcing in its supply chain, are among the many sustainable initiatives  that contribute to its goal of being a carbon-neutral and zero waste resort by 2030. A strong spirit of volunteerism fuels the hotel staff along with other colleagues, in various CSR, environmental, health and education programs 

Besides the ASEAN Green Hotel Award, other Philippine winners were presented the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award, ASEAN MICE Venue Award (Meeting Room), and ASEAN MICE Venue Award (Exhibition Hall) to recognize and honor outstanding ASEAN tourism businesses and destinations that comply with ASEAN Tourism Standards. Apart from the Philippines, the other ASEAN member countries are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Recipients of the ASEAN Green Hotel Award are recognized for adherence to ASEAN Green Hotel Standard, a certification process that aims to meet a set of 11 criteria that promote sustainable tourism practices, which hotel businesses “should aspire to reach to protect and sustain ASEAN’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation”. The criteria consist of: environmental policy and action for hotel operation; use of green products; collaboration with the community and local organizations; human resource development; solid waste management; energy efficiency; water efficiency; air quality management (indoor & outdoor); noise pollution control; wastewater treatment and management; and toxic and chemical substance disposal management.

By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios

As the government started to open the economy and safe return of the workers, City of Dreams Manila reopens the doors of its Forbes Travel Guide-recognized hotels: Nuwa, Nobu Hotel, and Hyatt Regency Manila giving early holiday treat that is truly irresistible initially to Metro Manila residents with stay dates until December 22, 2020.

With the recent granting of the certificate to operate for staycations by the Department of Tourism, City of Dreams is excited to welcome its Metro Manila guests as they brandish their integrated resort’s “Play It Safe” campaign with fortified hygiene and sanitation measures on the property thus assuring for the safety and wellbeing of our guests.

To complement the relaxing and safe staycation at the three hotels, the integrated resort enhances the in-room dining experience with seven sumptuous breakfast menu choices including Nobu breakfast sets available for Nobu Hotel and Hyatt Regency Manila guests; and has also reopened its well-loved signature restaurants at 50% capacity, Crystal Dragon, Red Ginger, Jing Ting, and Wave, with Nobu Manila next on November 6.

Take Back Your Summer at Hyatt Regency Manila, City of Dreams

In offering staycation guests a leisurely escape, Hyatt Regency Manila highlights its “Take Back Your Summer” promotion. The offer starts at P 7, 300+++ on weekdays and P8,300+++ on weekends, for an overnight stay for two persons in a spacious 50-sqm deluxe room. The package includes a 20% food and beverage discount in in-room dining and restaurants operated by the City of Dreams, a special welcome amenity; and for Melco Club members, an additional 1, 500 Melco Club bonus points for dining and other food purchases. A charge for an extra person in the room applies. To those in WFH mode, work-from-Hyatt beckons with the seamless, unlimited Wi-Fi connection throughout the property, even while basking by the hotel pool.

Staycation packages in Nobu Hotel and Nuwa offer similar inclusions and start at P8,800+++ and P21,600+++, respectively.

Prior reservation is required. For inquiries and reservations, call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

Government Guidelines and Hygiene Protocols at City of Dreams Manila

In compliance with the Guidelines for Staycations by the Department of Tourism (DOT), the promotion applies only to Metro Manila residents regardless of age, with no health risks or are not pregnant, who must present upon check-in a negative result from a Rapid Antigen Test conducted on the same day of check-in, from any DOH-accredited hospital or clinic.  Expats with valid ACR are eligible for the staycations.

Heightened sanitation protocols are carefully put in place throughout the resort complex, setting the bar high for hygiene and sanitation measures. Building on its “Play it Safe” campaign, the resort has enhanced its hygiene and sanitation protocols, installing distance markers at front desks, elevator lobbies, entrances, and taxi lines to guide guests on proper distancing. Numerous hand sanitation stations are available in highly frequented areas.  High-touch surfaces such as escalator railings and elevator buttons are disinfected every 20 to 30 minutes by a dedicated shift to ensure the extensive and increased frequency of disinfection. Guests checking in will also be provided with health amenities consisting of two three-ply face masks, disinfectant wipes, and two face shields, along with a flyer on sanitation and proper prevention guidelines. Face masks and face shields are mandatory for guests and the resort staff

To further foster a clean and safe environment for both guests and colleagues, the resort has designated Health Safety Ambassadors to monitor and guide guests in the proper observance of hygiene protocols, physical distancing as well as in checking Health Declaration Forms.

By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios

After almost 7 months of lockdown, the Department of Tourism has given the eight hotels in the National Capital Region to operate for staycation under the general community quarantine after they secured a certification.

Speaking to THEPHILBIZNEWS, Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said, for the time being, only hotels with 4-star or 5-star rating by the agency are allowed to accommodate guests for a staycation in GCQ areas. But she is hopeful that when the MGCQ is in place, many hotels will be opened up.

Currently, the following hotels are allowed to accept the leisure market: