The Transformation: From Belmont to Mercure Mactan Cebu

Belmont Hotel Mactan, a 550-room beachfront property in Lapu‑Lapu City, will undergo a comprehensive rebranding to become Mercure Mactan Cebu before year-end. The renovation will align the property with Mercure’s signature style: locally inspired design, an all-day dining restaurant, bars, a pool, fitness centre, business lounge, and flexible indoor and outdoor event areas. This array of amenities is tailored for the rising segment of “bleisure” tourists—those who blend work and leisure—while also catering to MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) events, thanks to Mactan Newtown’s conference-ready infrastructure.

Andrew Langdon, Accor’s Chief Development Officer for Asia, emphasized the strategic importance of the Philippines in the region. He said:

“We are accelerating the growth of our Premium, Midscale & Economy (PM&E) Division with a focused strategy to expand in sought-after destinations across Asia. The Philippines remains a vital market for us, and the signing of Mercure Mactan Cebu is fully aligned with our ambition to meet the growing demand for hotels that serve both leisure and business travellers, driven by the continued rise of bleisure travel.”

He also highlighted Cebu’s growing prominence thanks to its gateway status:

“With Mactan‑Cebu International Airport among the country’s leading gateways, Cebu is fast emerging as a preferred destination for domestic and international visitors. We are proud to bring this locally inspired hotel to life in collaboration with Megaworld…” 

Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, expressed pride in the partnership, saying:

“We are honored to collaborate with a top‑notch hospitality group like Accor, which has established global industry leadership… With Mercure Mactan Cebu, we aim to redefine Cebu’s tourism landscape by combining our group’s local expertise with Accor’s global leadership in hospitality.” 

She added that the new hotel will be more than just lodging—it will serve as a vibrant landmark within the Mactan Newtown township and a catalyst for tourism and economic development in the region.

Market Impact & Future Roadmap

Accor brings to the table its expansive ALL – Accor Live Limitless loyalty program, global reservation platforms, and hospitality standards, which are expected to significantly enhance Megaworld’s local brand strength and marketing reach. Currently operating 13 properties (approximately 7,000 rooms) under brands like Richmonde, Belmont, Savoy, Kingsford, and Twin Lakes, Megaworld plans to launch seven more in the next three years—bringing its total to around 20 hotels and 9,000 rooms across Palawan, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Pampanga.

Meanwhile, Accor is actively growing its presence in the Philippines: it currently manages nine hotels with 2,300 rooms across eight brands, with an additional pipeline of 18 hotels and over 4,000 rooms under development. This collaboration signals a wider push by Accor into emerging urban and leisure hubs across the country, leveraging Megaworld’s township projects.

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