By Roderick T. dela Cruz

More hotels and resorts are seeking economic zone status from the government, following the declaration of Korea?s Phil BXT Corp.?s facility in Mactan, Cebu.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said EDSA Shangri-La Hotel & Resort Inc. in Mandaluyong City had applied for incentives for its new 100-room tower, while Marriot Hotel & Resort in Newport City near the Terminal 3 in Pasay City wanted to become an economic tourism zone.

Phil BXT?s hotel facility was the country?s first tourism project that enjoyed fiscal perks of an ecozone developer.

Other investors applying for economic zone status are Grand Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Manila; Raffles Hotel in Makati City; Radisson Hotel in Cebu of SM Investments; and Seascape Resort Town of Filinvest in Mactan, Cebu.

Those applying for fiscal incentives in the resort island of Boracay include Shangri-La Boracay Resort; Alta Vista de Boracay; Fairways and Bluewater Boracay Resort; and Alyssa Boracay Beach Resort.

Philippine Economic Zone Authority director-general Lilia de Lima earlier declare Phil BXT Corp., developer of the 7.5-hectare 557-room Imperial Palace and Waterpark Resort in Cebu, as a special economic zone.

The Tourism Department has signed a supplemental memorandum of agreement with Peza on the grant of Special Economic Zone status to tourism development zones or tourism estates.

Durano said 2008 saw remarkable steady ventures from international firms, including the huge undertaking by Phil BXT, an established resort development corporation, in the pristine island of Mactan.

?Tourism is seen to be one of the strongest propellers of the economy for the year ahead. Together with the government, we seek to intensify the impact of this industry on the economy, particularly by encouraging investments and creating opportunities for tourism economic zones,? he said.

Durano said the signing of the supplemental agreement signaled the country?s strong investor confidence despite the global crunch.

?In fact, we expect a boost in investment as we offer lower costs in workforce, construction and tourism infrastructure development,? Durano said.

Tourism development zones and estates under the law may be granted special economic zone status upon registration with Peza and issuance of the required Presidential Proclamation.