Manila, Philippines — The Hotel Design Summit Philippines #HDSP is returning with a bang at the 8th Hospitality Philippines Conference #HPC2025 to be held at Marriott Manila on September 17 and 18. Running concurrently with the Hotel Investment Summit Philippines #HISP on the first day of the event, the summit will shed light on innovative design practices and sustainable solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the Philippine hospitality sector.
Through a series of panel sessions and solo presentations, the summit will explore sustainable architecture and eco-friendly design, tech integration, cultural sensitivity and local artistry, health, safety, and wellness, innovative interior design, and the balance between luxury and functionality in hospitality.
Among the eight sessions, the panel titled “Façades that Speak: Architecture as Brand Identity in Hospitality” will examine how bold forms, lighting, cultural references, and locally sourced materials can transform hotel exteriors into powerful tools for storytelling and brand expression. The discussion will highlight how well-crafted façades create memorable first impressions and define the identity of both urban and resort properties.
In another panel titled "Sustainable by Design: Future-Proofing Resorts for Climate & Efficiency”, speakers will explore energy-efficient systems, `low-impact materials, climate-resilient architecture, and disaster-ready design to reduce environmental impact and stand the test of time in a rapidly changing climate.
The summit will convene hotel chain owners and operators, consultants, architects and interior designers, spa and wellness experts, co-working space providers, and F&B suppliers. Notable speakers include Felix Guggenheim, President of GCI-Hospitality, Inc. and Royce Nicdao, Director of WTA Design.
According to the latest report by the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness market in the Philippines expanded from $35.8 billion in the pre-pandemic year of 2019 to $43.3 billion by 2023, marking a 21% growth. Currently, the country ranks 8th out of 45 countries in the Asia-Pacific region and 23rd out of 218 countries globally in terms of wellness economy.
Philippine hospitality is entering a new era, where design is not just about luxury, but about storytelling, wellness, and cultural depth. At #HDSP, industry leaders will chart how hotels across the country can craft spaces that resonate with both local identity and global travelers’ desire for meaningful, restorative experiences.