Resort Operator to Develop 50-ha. Integrated Tourism Project in Mactan

Cebu-based resort developer Philippine BXT Corp. (PBXT), operator of JPark Island Resort and Waterpark Cebu (JPark) in Lapu-Lapu City, is developing a 50-hectare integrated tourism project in Mactan similar to that of Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia.

Justin Uy, chairman and president of PBXT, said his company has already acquired 21 hectares of the planned 50-hectare integrated tourism project.

“This new project will have a character similar to that of Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia. It will have features that would keep tourism in Mactan alive and vibrant,” said Uy.

The Darling Harbour is home to shopping centers, entertainment centers, dining outlets and other tourism attractions.

It is accessible via various modes of public transportation.

Uy said the company is awaiting the Lapu-Lapu City Government’s endorsement of the foreshore lease to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for its marine sanctuary project, a component of its new integrated tourism project.

“We are waiting for the foreshore lease to be approved by the DENR so we can proceed with the masterplan development of the project,” said Uy.

But he said he expects a slight delay of the development due to the upcoming elections in May.

Earlier, Uy said the company is also expanding its JPark Island Resort in Lapu-Lapu City to take advantage of the booming tourism, which is expected to further increase with the increased direct international flights to Cebu.

Uy said the company is investing PHP1.5 billion in the next two years for the planned expansion of JPark.

Uy said at least three features will be added to resort before the end of the year, which include an additional amenity for children and a club facility, where guests can hang out.

The firm will also add 300 more rooms from its current 556 rooms.

“There’s a huge market for tourism in Cebu. We plan to put up more facilities because we intend to capture the market. We think that the bigger the facility, the better especially that we are also targeting the millennials,” said Uy.(PNA) LAP/EB/EDS