French hospitality group Accor has introduced its Mercure brand to the Philippine market with the opening of Mercure Mactan Cebu, a 550-room property formerly known as Belmont Hotel Mactan. The move adds a new midscale option to Cebu, one of the Philippines' most visited provinces and a hub for both leisure and business travel.

The launch represents a strategic milestone for the brand, according to Garth Simmons, chief operating officer for Accor's premium, midscale, and economy division in Asia.

"Introducing Mercure to the Philippines for the first time with the opening of Mercure Mactan Cebu marks a strategic expansion for the brand, as Cebu continues to emerge as a compelling gateway for travelers seeking culturally rich experiences," Mr. Simmons said in a statement released on Friday.

The hotel is situated within Megaworld Corp.'s The Mactan Newtown, a coastal township development. Accor noted that the property is approximately 15 minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport and directly across from Mactan Expo, which the company described as the largest convention facility in the province.

Mactan Expo includes a theater capable of accommodating 3,000 attendees and serves Cebu's meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) market, a segment the Department of Tourism has identified as a priority for growth as the Philippines competes with regional destinations including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia for international events.

Mercure Mactan Cebu features standard, classic, and privilege rooms ranging from 25 to 48 square meters, along with a 100-square-meter presidential suite. On-site amenities include dining outlets, a fitness center, steam and sauna facilities, lounges, and a meeting room that can host between 30 and 180 guests.

Guests also have access to Mactan Newtown Beach, the Ceremony Garden for smaller functions, and the Glass Pavilion designed for larger gatherings and celebrations.

"As demand grows for experience-led travel, we are excited to expand our presence in the Philippines and create more opportunities for travelers to connect with emerging destinations across Asia," Mr. Simmons added.

The Mercure launch is part of a broader Philippine expansion strategy by Accor, one of several international hotel groups including Marriott International and Hilton Worldwide that have been adding properties across the country to capture growing tourism demand. In August 2025, the group announced it would reintroduce its Sofitel brand to the country through Sofitel Cebu City, scheduled to open by late 2026 or early 2027. That announcement followed the closure of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City in July 2024.

In November 2025, Accor disclosed a partnership with Megaworld to rebrand the Grand Westside Hotel in Parañaque City as Mövenpick Manila Bay Westside, with the rebranded property expected to open by late 2026.

Most recently, Accor partnered with Primeworld Land Holdings, Inc. to develop the 160-room ibis Manila Caloocan, with construction slated to begin this year. — Juliana Chloe A. Gonzales