Fili Hotel Nustar Cebu is the first property under Fili Hotels– the only Filipino five-star brand where guests can experience the richness of Filipino culture and genuine Philippine hospitality in a true luxury setting
Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR), the hospitality arm of Robinsons Land Corporation, is amplifying the strategic focus on the Indian market, as part of its international outreach. This aligns with the group’s commitment to diversifying its guest portfolio and strengthening the Philippines’ presence on the global tourism map.
In a recent discussion, Senior Vice-President and Business Unit General Manager Barun Jolly shared the vision behind this expansion, detailing the strategic pillars that will drive the group’s engagement with Indian travelers and travel partners.
Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu—the reigning “Philippines’ Leading Family Resort” in the prestigious UK-based World Travel Awards – offers a bespoke Indian Wedding Package and is a fabulous option for destination weddings
Why is Robinsons Hotels and Resorts prioritizing the Indian market at this time?
Barun Jolly: The potential is immense. With recently introduced daily direct flights and visa-free access, Manila is just a seven-hour journey away. Given the current global climate, travelers are looking for stable, accessible alternatives, and the Philippines stands out as a great choice. Indian travelers are curious and are constantly seeking vibrant destinations. The Philippines is a natural fit—we offer everything from the stunning white sand beaches to world-class diving and coral reefs to premium shopping across our 7,000 islands.
Could you elaborate on the specific initiatives Robinsons Hotels and Resorts has taken to engage this new market?
Barun Jolly: We take immense pride in being the first Philippine hotel group to conduct an extensive sales blitz in India already in 2025. We engaged directly with key stakeholders, from travel wholesalers to major MICE operators. By presenting a comprehensive case for the Philippines—highlighting our ease of access, ‘Hospitality by Heart’ service culture, and diverse destinations—we have laid the groundwork for long-term, high-value partnerships.
Summit Ridge Tagaytay offers stunning views of Taal Volcano and Lake — a great choice for Indian travelers seeking new vibrant destinations
Beyond the strategic outreach, what specific experiences and amenities can Indian guests expect when staying at a Robinsons Hotels and Resorts property?
Barun Jolly: Our strength lies in our scale and diversity. As the Philippines’ largest and most multifaceted hospitality group—with 30 hotels across 20 key locations, —we offer a spectrum of experiences ranging from ultra-luxury to essential value. RHR’s presence spans major economic and tourism hubs including Metro Manila, Cebu, and Tagaytay.
To ensure an authentic guest experience, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR) has integrated dedicated Indian culinary experts at Fili Hotel NUSTAR Cebu, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu, and The Westin Manila. These chefs are currently spearheading a cross-property training program across the entire portfolio and soon we are looking forward to introducing an Indian Food Festival in Summit hotels nation-wide.
Already happening this April at Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila’s Seven Corners restaurant is the ‘Saffron and Spice’ festival. This promotion, running April 12-20, 2026, will feature a guest chef from Holiday Inn New Delhi, showcasing the flavors of North India.
For those interested in destination weddings, we launched a bespoke Indian Wedding Package at Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu. It’s perfectly suited for the grandeur of Indian ceremonies. And beyond the physical offerings, we have invested in cultural sensitivity training for our frontline staff, ensuring that the nuances of Indian culture are deeply respected. (For wedding inquiries, please call the resort at +63 32 888 1388)
Last but not the least, we are offering Indian tourists a 20% discount in our home-grown brands — Grand Summit, Summit, Go Hotels Plus and Go Hotels—using the code FLYIND. This is available for bookings made via our website, robinsonshotels.com, up to July 30, 2026. Guests simply need to present a valid boarding pass originating from India, within seven days from check-in.
Another highlight is we have’ Fili’ – the only Filipino five-star brand where Indian guests can experience the richness of Filipino culture and genuine Philippine hospitality in a true luxury setting.
Jolly concludes, “As Robinsons Hotels and Resorts continues to expand its footprint with upcoming properties like Summit Villas Siargao and Fili Hotel Bridgetowne, this strategic pivot toward the Indian market remains a top priority for 2026. Through these dedicated culinary programs, cultural integrations, and targeted partnerships, RHR is poised to become the premier gateway for the Indian market in the region.”
Fili Hotel Nustar Cebu is the first property under Fili Hotels– the only Filipino five-star brand where guests can experience the richness of Filipino culture and genuine Philippine hospitality in a true luxury setting
Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR), the hospitality arm of Robinsons Land Corporation, is amplifying the strategic focus on the Indian market, as part of its international outreach. This aligns with the group’s commitment to diversifying its guest portfolio and strengthening the Philippines’ presence on the global tourism map.
In a recent discussion, Senior Vice-President and Business Unit General Manager Barun Jolly shared the vision behind this expansion, detailing the strategic pillars that will drive the group’s engagement with Indian travelers and travel partners.
Why is Robinsons Hotels and Resorts prioritizing the Indian market at this time?
Barun Jolly: The potential is immense. With recently introduced daily direct flights and visa-free access, Manila is just a seven-hour journey away. Given the current global climate, travelers are looking for stable, accessible alternatives, and the Philippines stands out as a great choice. Indian travelers are curious and are constantly seeking vibrant destinations. The Philippines is a natural fit—we offer everything from the stunning white sand beaches to world-class diving and coral reefs to premium shopping across our 7,000 islands.
Could you elaborate on the specific initiatives Robinsons Hotels and Resorts has taken to engage this new market?
Barun Jolly: We take immense pride in being the first Philippine hotel group to conduct an extensive sales blitz in India already in 2025. We engaged directly with key stakeholders, from travel wholesalers to major MICE operators. By presenting a comprehensive case for the Philippines—highlighting our ease of access, ‘Hospitality by Heart’ service culture, and diverse destinations—we have laid the groundwork for long-term, high-value partnerships.
Beyond the strategic outreach, what specific experiences and amenities can Indian guests expect when staying at a Robinsons Hotels and Resorts property?
Barun Jolly: Our strength lies in our scale and diversity. As the Philippines’ largest and most multifaceted hospitality group—with 30 hotels across 20 key locations, —we offer a spectrum of experiences ranging from ultra-luxury to essential value. RHR’s presence spans major economic and tourism hubs including Metro Manila, Cebu, and Tagaytay.
To ensure an authentic guest experience, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR) has integrated dedicated Indian culinary experts at Fili Hotel NUSTAR Cebu, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu, and The Westin Manila. These chefs are currently spearheading a cross-property training program across the entire portfolio and soon we are looking forward to introducing an Indian Food Festival in Summit hotels nation-wide.
Already happening this April at Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila’s Seven Corners restaurant is the ‘Saffron and Spice’ festival. This promotion, running April 12-20, 2026, will feature a guest chef from Holiday Inn New Delhi, showcasing the flavors of North India.
For those interested in destination weddings, we launched a bespoke Indian Wedding Package at Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu. It’s perfectly suited for the grandeur of Indian ceremonies. And beyond the physical offerings, we have invested in cultural sensitivity training for our frontline staff, ensuring that the nuances of Indian culture are deeply respected. (For wedding inquiries, please call the resort at +63 32 888 1388)
Last but not the least, we are offering Indian tourists a 20% discount in our home-grown brands — Grand Summit, Summit, Go Hotels Plus and Go Hotels—using the code FLYIND. This is available for bookings made via our website, robinsonshotels.com, up to July 30, 2026. Guests simply need to present a valid boarding pass originating from India, within seven days from check-in.
Another highlight is we have’ Fili’ – the only Filipino five-star brand where Indian guests can experience the richness of Filipino culture and genuine Philippine hospitality in a true luxury setting.
Jolly concludes, “As Robinsons Hotels and Resorts continues to expand its footprint with upcoming properties like Summit Villas Siargao and Fili Hotel Bridgetowne, this strategic pivot toward the Indian market remains a top priority for 2026. Through these dedicated culinary programs, cultural integrations, and targeted partnerships, RHR is poised to become the premier gateway for the Indian market in the region.”
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