Discovery Group launches Kip&Kin brand

Leisure estate developer and operator Discovery World Corp. (DWC) has unveiled a pipeline of new resort projects that combine hotel with hostel offerings, seeking to serve tourism segments outside its traditional upscale market.

Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Discovery Hospitality Corp. (DHC), DWC is bringing to the market a new brand called “Kip&Kin,” described as a “lifestyle and millennial-focused” brand.

Three new resorts with a combined capacity of 193 hotel rooms and 268 hostel beds are in the pipeline, two of which will be in Palawan (El Nido and San Vicente) while one will be in Siargao.

The hotel side will focus on guest rooms that target families who prefer a traditional way of vacationing, while the lower levels will house the hostel which caters to “adventure and experience-seeker travelers.”

“With these properties in our plans, we are getting more excited to cater to a lot of travelers, whether the traditional ones or the more adventurous type. The experiences that we design for these are something that will definitely bring a new meaning to travel,” said Cathy Nepomuceno, DHC senior vice president and head of sales and operations.

Dream destinations

Discussions are likewise ongoing for the property management of other resort developers in Visayas (Manami Resort) and Mindanao (Discovery Samal), the company said.

“The tourism industry may be at a halt, but DHC takes advantage of this time to pivot and develop new resorts, turning prime locations into dream destinations … These developments are expected to bring great impact in the industry for emerging markets,” DHC said in a statement on Thursday.

Kip & Kin El Nido is the first of the three to be in development, with an expected opening in June 2022. The property is located in Vanilla Beach, El Nido. This property will offer 117 hotel rooms and 84 hostel beds.

Located on the western coast of the island of Palawan, the San Vicente property will be an integrated tourism destination project. Kip & Kin Siargao, which will be built along General Luna near the famous surfing area of Cloud 9, will offer 34 hotel rooms and 48 hostel beds.