Cebu hotels fully booked for Sinulog

CEBU CITY — Local tourists are driving high demand for hotel accommodations in Cebu City, with many establishments already fully booked ahead of the Sinulog Festival 2025 finale this weekend.

Mia Singson-Leon, the new president of the Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC) Inc., attributed the strong performance to the influx of domestic travelers.

While international tourism continues its gradual revival, local tourists remain the primary market drivers, she said.

Occupancy rates in the city's hospitality sector have surged to 80 to 100 percent, marking a significant recovery for the industry from its downfall during the Covid pandemic.

Hotels near the Sinulog Grand Parade route, which is returning to the Cebu City Sports Center, have seen particularly high demand.

"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," Singson-Leon said.

Bookings began as early as October 2024 after Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia announced the parade's return to its traditional route, boosting traveler confidence.

Quest Hotel, where Singson-Leon serves as general manager, reached full occupancy by December 2024, with all 427 rooms reserved. Smaller hotels have also reported occupancy rates of 80 to 85 percent.

Visitors for Sinulog typically stay two to three nights, benefiting both large and small hotels. The current trend contrasts sharply with 2024, when last-minute bookings and cancellations were common after the grand parade was held at South Road Properties.

Singson-Leon credited the recovery to well-organized event plans and the restoration of the original parade route along Imus Avenue, Gen. Maxilom Avenue, and Osmeña Boulevard, which has reinvigorated the hospitality and restaurant industries.

Businesses along the parade route anticipate heavy foot traffic, with many establishments making preparations to handle the influx of visitors. Industry leaders are also urging hotels to maintain fair pricing despite high demand.

Alfred Reyes, former HRRAC president, acknowledged the challenge of balancing operational costs with competitive rates, especially for internationally managed hotels.

Still, he emphasized that many establishments remain committed to reasonable pricing to attract more guests.

The Sinulog Festival's grand day on Sunday is expected to draw over three million attendees as 45 contingents — including three guest performers — are bound to entertain the crowd.