Hotels vs inflation: Savers Group to open 3 to 4 Best Westerns a year
Hotels vs inflation: Savers Group to open 3 to 4 Best Westerns a year
Raine Musñgi,
ABS-CBN News
Published Jul 15, 2025 02:21 PM PHT
Best Western Hotel in Clark. Photo from Savers Group Holdings website.
Best Western Hotel in Clark. Photo from Savers Group Holdings website.MANILA — Even amid global tensions and economic uncertainty, Savers Group Holdings is making a bold, inflation-hedging bet on Philippine tourism — with plans to open or convert 3 to 4 Best Western hotels every year.
MANILA — Even amid global tensions and economic uncertainty, Savers Group Holdings is making a bold, inflation-hedging bet on Philippine tourism — with plans to open or convert 3 to 4 Best Western hotels every year.
Justine Shaun Uy, its Executive Vice President for Hospitality, told ANC's Market Edge that the group remains bullish, citing a rebound in travel and strong fundamentals.
Justine Shaun Uy, its Executive Vice President for Hospitality, told ANC's Market Edge that the group remains bullish, citing a rebound in travel and strong fundamentals.
“We’ve actually seen an increase in tourist arrivals year on year… about 2.9 million in the first half of this year, and we’re very optimistic to hit around 6 million by year-end,” Uy said.
“We’ve actually seen an increase in tourist arrivals year on year… about 2.9 million in the first half of this year, and we’re very optimistic to hit around 6 million by year-end,” Uy said.
The Pampanga-based group — which started in 1983 and is linked to the founding family of Converge ICT — holds exclusive rights to develop the Best Western brand in the Philippines.
The Pampanga-based group — which started in 1983 and is linked to the founding family of Converge ICT — holds exclusive rights to develop the Best Western brand in the Philippines.
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“Hotels can reset rates every night based on demand… unlike retail or office spaces locked into multi-year leases," he explained.
“Hotels can reset rates every night based on demand… unlike retail or office spaces locked into multi-year leases," he explained.
Savers Group’s business model places the capital burden on investors, who must cover a $50,000 franchise fee and $10 to 15 million for construction or conversion of each hotel. Savers acts as the local brand steward and development partner.
Savers Group’s business model places the capital burden on investors, who must cover a $50,000 franchise fee and $10 to 15 million for construction or conversion of each hotel. Savers acts as the local brand steward and development partner.
“We’ve already spoken with a few [investors]. Some are very interested, and hopefully by Q3 or Q4, we’ll have closed out a few deals,” Uy said.
“We’ve already spoken with a few [investors]. Some are very interested, and hopefully by Q3 or Q4, we’ll have closed out a few deals,” Uy said.
While their home base is Central Luzon, expansion will span Cavite, Manila, and other regions. “Not only in Central Luzon… we’re planning to expand the brand nationwide,” he said.
While their home base is Central Luzon, expansion will span Cavite, Manila, and other regions. “Not only in Central Luzon… we’re planning to expand the brand nationwide,” he said.
Uy admitted that global trade tensions could have an impact. “There will be a significant hit, I think, but hopefully our government can intervene and help tourism grow.”
Uy admitted that global trade tensions could have an impact. “There will be a significant hit, I think, but hopefully our government can intervene and help tourism grow.”
With the Philippines’ reputation for English-speaking hospitality talent and growing investor interest, Savers Group is doubling down on travel as both a business opportunity — and a shield against rising costs.
With the Philippines’ reputation for English-speaking hospitality talent and growing investor interest, Savers Group is doubling down on travel as both a business opportunity — and a shield against rising costs.
—ANC, 15 July 2025
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