CEBU CITY — The Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA) introduced Samantha Manigsaca, Vice President of Hospitality for AppleOne Group, as the chairperson of Cebu Hotel Connect 2026 during its annual general membership meeting in Makati. The announcement signals Cebu’s readiness to host a premier hospitality gathering this September.
A New Leader for a New Chapter
Manigsaca takes the helm at a moment of unprecedented growth. She highlighted Cebu’s momentum as a hub of innovation, and pledged that the event would strengthen partnerships. Her vision is to make the Philippine hospitality sector globally competitive and resilient through collaboration and shared knowledge.
The appointment also reflects the rising influence of AppleOne Group in the Visayas‑Mindanao hospitality scene. As a developer of landmark properties such as the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort and the upcoming JW Marriott Panglao Island Resort, the group brings deep regional insight. Manigsaca will leverage that expertise to attract top‑tier investors and operators.
A Leader with Global Experience
Manigsaca brings a formidable international background to the role. She holds an MBA with distinction in Global Hospitality Management from Les Roches Crans Montana in Switzerland and graduated cum laude from Enderun Colleges. Her career includes hands‑on experience at The Ritz‑Carlton Hong Kong, JW Marriott Hong Kong, Marriott Hotel Manila, and The Westin Manila.
This global perspective is now anchored in Cebu. Manigsaca is a recognized voice in the industry, having recently served as a panelist at the Southeast Asia Hotel Investors Summit 2026. Her blend of luxury brand experience and regional commitment positions her perfectly to shape the conference’s direction and content.
Cebu’s Hotel Boom Drives the Event
Cebu Hotel Connect arrives as the region prepares to add over 4,000 new hotel rooms in the coming years. According to Colliers International, Cebu’s hotel occupancy rates have stabilized between 50 and 80 percent, driven by surging domestic travel and successful hosting of major events like the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026.
The influx of global brands such as Marriott, Hilton, and Accor underscores investor confidence. The conference provides a strategic platform to channel this momentum into long‑term partnerships. Attendees will explore how to capitalize on Cebu’s expanding air connectivity and growing MICE tourism.
Four Pillars Shaping the Future
The event, scheduled for September 24–25 at the Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan, is built on four core pillars. Investment sessions will tackle mixed‑use developments, public‑private partnerships, and regional growth opportunities. Connectivity discussions will highlight Cebu’s role as a strategic gateway through expanding air and logistics networks.
Artificial intelligence and technology take center stage in the AI Utilization track, where hotel operators will discover next‑gen tools optimizing operations and guest experiences. Vital Training roundtables will equip teams with future‑ready skills. Together, these pillars offer a comprehensive look at where the industry is headed.
A Venue That Embodies Connectivity
The choice of Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan is deliberate. The newly opened property anchors the modern Mahi Center, minutes from Mactan‑Cebu International Airport, and is registered under TIEZA. It exemplifies the investment and infrastructure themes the conference aims to promote.
Participants will not only discuss connectivity but experience it firsthand. The venue’s proximity to key tourism zones and its state‑of‑the‑art facilities provide an ideal backdrop for networking. The location underscores the conference’s message that Cebu is open and ready for business.
Join the Conversation
The Philippine Hotel Owners Association invites hotel operators, investors, suppliers, and hospitality professionals to secure their participation. The event promises to unlock strategic collaborations that will shape the Visayas‑Mindanao tourism landscape for years to come. Registration inquiries can be directed to Director of Operations Minoll Alano at [email protected].
