SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) announces the appointment of Belgian Sven Toune as General Manager of the Taal Vista Hotel. He takes the helm of this heritage 262-room property overlooking Lake Taal and its volcano, in Tagaytay, one of the most well-known addresses in the Philippines, where he will oversee operations while supporting the hotel’s development in the MICE and leisure segments.
Sven Toune brings more than twenty years of international hospitality experience, including nearly a decade in the Philippines. He previously held the position of General Manager at the Park Inn by Radisson Davao, where he strengthened the property’s market positioning, improved guest satisfaction and developed partnerships with local stakeholders, according to SMHCC.
His career also includes more than nine years at Accor, with several General Manager and Executive Assistant Manager positions in Myanmar, notably at the Novotel Yangon Max, the Novotel Inle Lake and the Sofitel Inle Lake, as well as a role as Front Office Manager at the Novotel Manila during its pre-opening, and later at the Novotel Ghent, in Belgium. He also led the Banwa Private Island, in Palawan.
Peggy Angeles, Executive Vice President of SMHCC, noted that this appointment marks an important step in the property’s development, with Sven Toune’s expertise and strategic vision expected to help accelerate growth in the MICE and leisure segments. SMHCC currently operates ten properties, representing more than 2,600 rooms and over 42,000 square metres of convention space, including the Conrad Manila and the Radisson Blu Cebu.
At a Glance
Sven Toune — General Manager, Taal Vista Hotel
Appointed General Manager of Taal Vista Hotel (262 rooms), Tagaytay, by SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.
20+ years of international hospitality experience, including nearly a decade in the Philippines
Previously General Manager of Park Inn by Radisson Davao and Banwa Private Island, Palawan
9+ years with Accor across Myanmar, the Philippines and Belgium, including GM and EAM roles
Bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Management, Plantijnhogeschool Antwerpen
