Tag Archives: travel

Consultant Gus Agosto at the World Congress of Resort Properties

Consultant Gus Agosto delivered an insightful presentation at the prestigious World Congress of Resort Properties held in Pattaya, Thailand. His talk focused on the integration of valuation and planning practices in the context of Lapulapu City, Philippines—a city renowned for its vibrant tourism and resort industry.

In his speech, Agosto emphasized the importance of leveraging advanced valuation methodologies to complement sustainable planning efforts. He remarked, “The exploitation of various methodologies in valuation, coupled with the principles of highest and best use and feasibility analysis, can yield more reliable estimations. These, in turn, align closely with the goals of sustainable and responsible urban planning.” His insights underscored the critical role of integrating economic, environmental, and social considerations in developing resort-based real estate projects.

The Congress featured distinguished speakers from various countries, including Nepal, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei, the Maldives, and others. It served as an invaluable platform for global participants to exchange experiences and insights into real estate practices focused on resorts and hotels.

Agosto highlighted how both the indoor seminars and on-site study visits provided participants with hands-on learning opportunities. He noted that these activities offered a deeper understanding of innovative approaches and strategies in real estate development, which would significantly enhance the professional practices of attendees.

Pattaya, Thailand, was a fitting venue for the event, being globally recognized as a premier resort city. Its reputation as a hub of hospitality and tourism added a dynamic layer to the Congress, enriching discussions and case studies with real-world examples of successful resort property development. Agosto concluded that the knowledge shared at the event would undoubtedly elevate the standards of real estate practice among the participants, fostering innovation and collaboration in the global resort property sector.

Consultant Gus Agosto to Speak at World Congress

The world of resort properties is rapidly evolving, and industry leaders from across Southeast Asia will come together to share insights and strategies at the World Congress on Resort Properties, happening from December 1-3, 2024, in Pattaya, Thailand. Among the distinguished speakers is Consultant Gus Agosto, a renowned expert in real estate valuation and development, who will contribute his expertise alongside speakers from Malaysia, Vietnam, Maldives, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, India, the Philippines, USA and Thailand.

The World Congress on Resort Properties will serve as a pivotal platform to explore the dynamic sector of resort real estate, which encompasses seaside resorts, mountain retreats, rural-style accommodations, pool villas, hotels, and wellness-focused developments. As the demand for unique and luxurious vacation experiences continues to rise globally, resort properties are increasingly becoming a prime investment choice.

Topics That Matter

With its theme focusing on “How to Plan, Value, Manage, Buy, and Sell Resort Properties,” the congress aims to provide actionable insights to investors, developers, real estate professionals, and industry stakeholders. Attendees can expect to learn about:

  • Strategic Planning: Understanding market trends and consumer preferences to create sustainable and profitable resort developments.
  • Valuation Techniques: Key factors influencing the market value of resort properties and tools for accurate valuation.
  • Effective Management: Strategies for managing operations while enhancing guest experiences.
  • Investment Opportunities: Insights into buying and selling resort properties, with a focus on long-term profitability.

As the global tourism industry continues to recover and thrive, resort properties are playing an increasingly significant role in boosting economies and creating employment opportunities. This congress will foster dialogue on how to address emerging challenges, seize new opportunities, and embrace innovation in the sector.

This invitation to the World Congress is a testament to Consultant Gus Agosto’s growing influence in the real estate industry, particularly in hotel and resort valuation and consulting. Just a few months ago, Gus was invited to speak at the prestigious FIABCI Thailand Congress 2024 Asia Pacific Real Estate Convention & Property Prix d’Excellence Awards held on August 30-31, 2024, at the Amari Bangkok Hotel. His presentation at that event focused on key trends shaping real estate markets across the Asia-Pacific region, further solidifying his reputation as a sought-after speaker and consultant.

Consultant Gus Agosto’s Inspection of Three Islands in Northern Samar

As an expert in hotel and resort development, Consultant Gus Agosto conducted a detailed inspection of three islands in Northern Samar. His evaluation focused on identifying the potential of these islands to host sustainable and marketable hotel and resort projects, aligning with the growing demand for eco-tourism and luxury getaways in the Philippines.

Gus Agosto’s expertise in hotel and resort development uniquely positioned him to assess the islands’ suitability for projects that cater to high-end tourism, sustainable lodging, and immersive guest experiences. His approach integrates:

  • Market Viability: Identifying opportunities to attract domestic and international tourists.
  • Sustainability Principles: Designing eco-friendly resorts that protect natural resources while providing world-class amenities.
  • Operational Feasibility: Evaluating logistical requirements such as accessibility, infrastructure needs, and local workforce engagement.

Gus Agosto’s specialization in hotel and resort development allowed him to identify the three islands as prime locations for sustainable and innovative projects. By leveraging their natural beauty and focusing on eco-friendly development, these islands have the potential to become key players in the Philippines’ growing tourism sector, fostering economic growth while protecting the environment.

Traveler Trends Analysis

The tourism industry is one of the most dynamic sectors, influenced by changing traveler preferences, economic conditions, and regional characteristics. For hotel and resort operators, understanding traveler demographics is crucial for shaping strategies that enhance guest experiences, optimize operations, and drive profitability. In this post, we analyze the data of various traveler segments across key regions to help investors and developers explore and achieve better decisions.

Traveler Demographics and Their Impact

The traveler data analyzed here were released by the Department of Tourism and includes categories such as foreign travelers, overseas Filipinos, and domestic travelers across different regions and popular tourist destinations. Let’s break down these insights by key areas:

1. Regional Insights: Understanding the Market

  • National Capital Region (NCR): With over 7 million total travelers, NCR stands out with a significant portion of foreign travelers (2.36 million) and domestic visitors (4.67 million). This makes NCR an attractive location for large-scale hotels and resorts that can cater to diverse preferences—from high-end international tourists to local families seeking weekend getaways.
  • Boracay (Malay): Known for its white sandy beaches, Boracay continues to attract a healthy balance of foreign travelers (422,201) and domestic tourists (1.66 million). This balance offers a lucrative opportunity for resorts to tailor services to both international visitors and local vacationers, ensuring broad appeal.
  • Palawan: Another prime destination, Palawan caters to a diverse range of travelers, with over 540,000 foreign visitors. The El Nido area, in particular, shows high foreign tourist activity (283,471) compared to domestic guests (262,983), signaling the potential for more exclusive and international-oriented resorts.

2. The Power of Domestic Tourism

Regions like Batangas and CALABARZON, with high domestic visitor volumes, are ideal for short-term stays, family vacations, and weekend tourism. For hotels and resorts in these areas, understanding the local market’s preferences and creating affordable, family-friendly packages will be crucial in meeting demand.

In Bohol, with a mix of foreign travelers (325,499) and domestic tourists (3.61 million), resorts should focus on a combination of premium and budget-friendly offerings, ensuring that both international tourists and local visitors feel at home.

3. Niche Markets: Overseas Filipinos and The Rise of Staycations

Overseas Filipinos (OFWs) are an important market segment, especially in regions like Palawan (8,266) and Boracay (39,196). Resorts can tap into this by offering packages for Filipino families and groups visiting from abroad, capitalizing on the emotional connection many OFWs have to home.

Additionally, the trend of staycations (local vacations) has surged, making it essential for resorts to offer enticing packages for domestic travelers who may be looking for relaxing, nearby escapes without the hassle of international travel.

The ability to understand and respond to the unique needs of foreign travelers, domestic tourists, and overseas Filipinos gives hotels and resorts a competitive edge in a crowded market. By analyzing traveler data, aligning service offerings with market demand, and focusing on sustainable, community-driven initiatives, resorts can maximize their profitability and reputation.

Whether it’s a luxury resort in Palawan catering to international tourists or a family-friendly hotel in Batangas serving weekend vacationers, the key to success lies in identifying your target audience, refining your offerings, and adapting to the ever-changing tourism landscape.

Island Resort in Northern Samar