Hotels fully booked for Sinulog

Local

LOCAL tourists are fueling strong demand for hotel accommodations in Cebu City, with most establishments fully booked for the Sinulog Festival 2025.

Industry leaders reported occupancy rates between 80 to 100 percent, reflecting the robust recovery of the city’s hospitality sector.

Mia Singson-Leon, president of the Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC) Inc., said the surge in bookings for the Sinulog weekend has been primarily driven by domestic travelers.

She noted that while international tourism is gradually recovering, local visitors continue to bolster the market.

Hotels near the Sinulog Grand Parade route, which is returning to its traditional venue at the Cebu City Sports Center, have experienced the highest demand.

“I think this year, the plans for Sinulog were clearer. I believe that’s why there is more confidence in bookings. It started early, giving us more time to fill up the rooms for Sinulog,” she said.

Singson-Leon said bookings started as early as October 2024, shortly after Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia announced the return of the parade to its original route, creating more confidence among travelers.

Quest Hotel, managed by Singson-Leon, reached full capacity by December 2024, with all 427 rooms booked. Smaller hotels also reported strong numbers, achieving 80 to 85 percent occupancy rates.

On average, Sinulog visitors stay two to three nights, boosting business for hotels of all sizes.

This year’s steady bookings contrast with the last-minute reservations and cancellations observed in 2024, when the grand parade was held at the South Road Properties.

Singson-Leon attributed the improvement to clearer event plans and the restoration of the traditional venue, which has enhanced trust in the festival’s organization.

The return of the parade route along Imus Avenue, Gen. Maxilom Avenue, and Osmeña Boulevard has invigorated the hospitality and restaurant sectors.

Establishments along the route are preparing for increased foot traffic, while industry leaders encourage hotels to maintain fair pricing despite rising demand.

Earlier, former HRRAC president Alfred Reyes acknowledged the difficulty of balancing pricing with rising operational costs, especially for internationally managed hotels with strict corporate policies.

However, he said many establishments remain committed to providing reasonable rates to attract more visitors.

The Sinulog Festival's grand day on Sunday, January 19,, is expected to draw over three million attendees as 45 contingents, of which three are guests, will entertain the spectators.

As hotels and restaurants welcome the influx of guests, the industry remains optimistic that Sinulog will further accelerate Cebu’s tourism recovery and mark a positive start to 2025.(MyTVCebu)