InterContinental Returns to Manila: A Decade-and-a-Half Long Wait Ends

On June 17, 2026, the InterContinental Hotels Group announced plans to return its InterContinental brand to Manila, Philippines, after an absence of 15 years. This move highlights the growing luxury tourism sector in the archipelago nation.

The Philippines, an expanse of over 7,600 islands in the western Pacific, has experienced a surge in tourist arrivals. Travelers are drawn to its renowned diving sites, pristine white-sand beaches, and the historic walled city of Manila, as reported by TheStreet.

Manila, established as the capital in 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi, seamlessly blends rich history with modern dynamism. The city continuously reinvents itself to cater to its metropolitan population of over 14 million and an expanding tourist base.

The overall growth in international arrivals to the Philippines is notable, with numbers projected to rise from 5.45 million in 2023 to 6.48 million in 2025. This surge is significantly fueled by luxury travelers, particularly from the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, according to TheStreet.

The InterContinental Manila, originally opened in 1969 within the Makati financial district, closed its doors in 2015. Its demolition paved the way for the One Ayala mixed-use development.