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Banyan Tree Expands to Philippine Island Touted as Next Phuket

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Posted: 26 Mar 2009 | 8:04 am

The President of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal - Arroyo has touted Isla Dirawan in Palawan as the next Phuket according to press reports. The 55 hectare Dirawan island in is aiming to be Asia's largest island integrated island resort. Banyan Tree founder K. P. Ho has been quoted that the group looks to open a resort by 2012, who is developing the property with the Filipino group Tranzen.

Palawan remains one of Asia's most naturally spectacular areas and attracts divers from all over the world. The well established luxury Amanpulo resort is located nearby. Phuket continues to be the envy of the region in terms of its tourist success and certainly developments of this nature look to raise the bar for competition.

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just watch all the real estate agents bee line towards this island and set up shop..

Brave Heart, 27 Mar 2009 | 4:21 am

I think this is a joke. It is possible this could become a single point luxury destination, but anything close to Bali or Phuket is a pipe dream. The Phils needs to focus on an improved infrastructure. They should start first in trying to get Cebu to a competitive level within the region. Or even focus on Bohol which in my opinion is the forgotten island down south.

Bill Barnett responds:
Thanks for the comment, its no joke but when the President of a country acknowledges the "Phuket" brand it means the name carries good clout. It's good to be on the map as Asia's premier resort desitination but it also means the resort biz here is in the scope of those looking for new, better products so same time challenges us. Certainly island resorts are emerging like Palawan and here in Phang Nga Bay, so will be interesting to see the developments especially since our market is lagging in green eco developments which is becoming more and more in demand.

Jack, 26 Mar 2009 | 4:28 pm

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