Hotels, resorts group launches website

THE launch of its website yesterday was a show of unity for the Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC).

The online portal www.hrrac.org.ph will be their gateway to the world and a common platform for members to exchange information, said HRRAC vice president for resorts Gary Garcia.

“Through the website, the association aims to build a community that actively interacts and provide a window for the rest of the world to check out what Cebu as a brand can offer,” Garcia said at the launch during the group’s General Membership Meeting at the Marco Polo Plaza.

The website features the latest news as well as special features on relevant information on the business of hospitality and its allied services particularly in Cebu through articles and photos of different activities of the organization and its members.

“One special feature is the Investors Corner where we provide useful information for would-be investors to check out what they will need to do if they would like to invest on a resort, a restaurant or a hotel here in Cebu,” said Garcia.

A complete listing of the member companies as well as members of the Board of Directors is also available.

HRRAC has 94 members, which include those from the academe, suppliers, restaurants, resorts, and hotels.

Cenelyn Manguilimotan of Parklane Hotel, HRRAC vice president for hotels, said the website is an added value to their members.

“The website has a special ‘Members Only’ access for easy sharing of the organization’s current projects and endeavors,” Manguilimotan said.

She invited establishments which are not members to join the group.

“We have been encouraging establishments to become members but of course we only accept those with DOT accreditation,” she said.

She said HRRAC always gives fellow members priority especially the suppliers to source their operation requirements.

The website also signals the organization’s effort to reach out to members to find out how HRRAC can assist them better and how they can all help each other promote Cebu.

“We need more feedback from members on how we can provide support and also share best practices that will benefit everyone and Cebu’s tourism industry in general,” Manguilimotan said.

A key annual activity of HRRAC is the “Cebu Goes Culinary”, a showcase of culinary skills, in July.

For next year’s event, Manguilimotan said the theme will be about preparing for Cebu’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2015.