Ang Pahayagan

Subic Bay Freeport – A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the former Subic International Hotel complex to pave the way for the construction of a world-class integrated convention and leisure facility at the heart of Central Business District in Subic Bay Freeport zone.

The lowering of time capsule for the $300-million Subic Sun Convention Resort and Casino complex was held Thursday, March 14.

The ceremony was led by Gil Miguel T. Puyat, Chairman of the Subic International Hotel Corp. with Kash Salvador, Director for Development of Accor Philippines and was joined by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, Bases Conversion and Development Authority Director Rolen C. Paulino and other Freeport officials.

According to Aliño, Accor International Group is set to construct a world-class integrated leisure and convention center. 

“In a couple of years, the Ibis Styles and Mercure Hotels, which is affiliated with the Accor International Group, will be operating a world class integrated leisure and convention center in Subic Bay, which will be the very first integrated resort casino and hotel complex in the freeport,” Aliño said.

The complex serves as barracks for servicemen during the US Navy days and was later converted into a hotel and business facility named Subic International Hotel Corporation after the military bases pull-out in 1992. It is one of the largest hotel complex catering to both international and domestic tourist in the country’s first Freeport zone.

According to Subic Sun Convention Resort and Casino Inc. Chairman and President Pablo Edgardo T. Puyat, “The operations are anticipated to begin in 2025, following the commencement of our $300 million investment commitment.”

“Both the Ibis Styles Subic and Mercure Subic are in the company’s economy and midscale segments, respectively. Ibis Styles Subic is set to open in 2026 and is the first internationally branded hotel in Subic,” he said. Ibis Styles Subic will offer 175 rooms and will feature amenities such as a swimming pool, meeting space, and a gym.

Ibis Styles is an economy hotel brand focused on in-style stays while the Mercure is a French midscale hotel brand, with both brands owned by ACCOR International Group. The Ibis Styles and Mercure Hotels are just part of the initial phase of the project.

Mercure Subic, also set to open in 2026, will offer 250 rooms and be the second internationally branded hotel in the area. It is located adjacent to Ibis Styles Subic. 

Puyat added, “A world-class integrated leisure and convention center will be constructed in progressive phases, encompassing a six-hectare property that will feature an integrated resort casino complex and five-star resort hotels.”

He said that aside from the convention center/ exhibition hall, the area will also have duty-free shops, dormitels, carpark, hotel and recreation center, Americana complex, Americana seaside clubhouse, American country club and the New Dragon Restaurant.