Real Estate Giants Ayala Land Acquire New World's Struggling Philippine Hotel
In a strategic move, Ayala Land, a unit of Ayala Corp. led by the Zobel de Ayala family, has acquired the New World Hotel Makati from Hong Kong’s New World Development Co. Ltd. This purchase, announced in 2025, complements Ayala Land's existing hospitality assets and aligns with its aim to strengthen its presence in key urban centers. Notably, Ayala Land retained the New World brand name and existing management to ensure continuity and maintain guest experience.
Ayala Land has pursued an expansion strategy that emphasizes strategic acquisitions, significant investments in urban and lifestyle developments, and a focused enhancement of its hospitality portfolio. As part of this strategy, Ayala Land announced a $500 million investment plan to nearly double its hotel capacity from 4,000 to 8,000 rooms by 2030. This expansion will be led by its Ayala Land Hospitality group, which operates brands such as Seda and El Nido Resorts.
The acquisition of the New World Hotel Makati, located in the Makati business district, is a significant step in Ayala Land's growth. The hotel, originally leased from Ayala Land, was opened by New World Development in 1994. Many of Ayala Land's prime properties, including hotels, upscale shopping malls, and office buildings, are located in Makati, making this acquisition a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the Makati financial district.
Ayala Land's expansion plans also include massive master-planned estates like Arca South in Taguig (74 hectares) and Nuvali in CALABARZON. These developments are designed to become integrated urban districts combining residential, commercial, retail, and leisure components. The opening of Ayala Malls Arca South in December 2025 marks a milestone in anchoring this new dynamic business district, offering a curated mix of retail, dining, entertainment, and community spaces with a fresh approach to lifestyle centers. Ayala Malls Nuvali is undergoing an expansion to become a major regional retail and lifestyle destination.
In addition to hotel expansions and urban developments, Ayala Land is also focusing on creating walkable, community-centric hubs that blend lifestyle, commercial, and residential spaces. The company's vision is to create integrated, sustainable urban centers that cater to evolving lifestyle and commercial demands in the Philippines.
The strategic property acquisitions, heavy investments in large-scale mixed-use developments, and a robust push to grow its hospitality footprint are all aimed at achieving long-term urban and economic growth aligned with sustainable principles. Under Jaime Zobel de Ayala's leadership, Ayala Land is actively shaping the urban landscape of the Philippines.
- Henry Cheng, the CEO of New World Development in Hong Kong, might consider partnering with Ayala Land for their upcoming sports-themed project, as both companies have shown a commitment to strategic growth and shared interests in hospitality and property development, particularly in the Makati financial district of the Philippines.
- With Ayala Land's recent expansion plan focusing on doubling its hotel capacity and integrating urban and lifestyle developments, sports enthusiasts in the Philippines might soon look forward to staying at Seda or El Nido Resorts hotels, which will offer not only world-class amenities but also access to exciting sporting events, further boosting the country's tourism industry.
