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Cebu Tourism Forum and Experiential Tour: Cebu Prepares to Unveil Major MICE Infrastructure Projects, Strengthening its Position as a Global Meetings Hub
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Cebu, often referred to as the “Queen City of the South,” is set to bolster its status as a top destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. The island province, a vital hub in the Philippines’ tourism industry, is preparing to unveil three major MICE infrastructure projects in the coming months, marking a significant step toward attracting international meetings, conventions, and business events. With a strategic focus on expanding its facilities for the ever-growing demand in the MICE sector, Cebu is positioning itself to compete on the global stage.
According to the Cebu Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI), which is organizing the highly anticipated Cebu Tourism Forum and Experiential Tour on June 26, 2025, attendees will get a firsthand look at the city’s new MICE infrastructure. This event is a cornerstone of Cebu Business Month 2025 and is expected to gather tourism stakeholders, convention organizers, and business event professionals from around the world.
The three key projects set to elevate Cebu’s MICE landscape include the SMX Convention Center Cebu, the SM Seaside Arena, and the Mactan Expo Center, each bringing a unique value proposition to the island’s business tourism offerings.
SMX Convention Center Cebu: A Massive New Venue for Global Events
Located at the South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City, the SMX Convention Center Cebu will span over 40,000 square meters, making it one of the largest convention centers in the region. Managed by SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., this facility is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026. The center will host a wide range of events, from international conventions and trade shows to corporate meetings, further cementing Cebu’s role as a key player in the global MICE market.
SM Seaside Arena: A Premier Venue for Large-Scale Events
Another milestone project is the SM Seaside Arena, scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. This 16,000-seat indoor arena will not only cater to international concerts and major sporting events but also serve as a prime venue for large exhibitions and business conferences. The SM Seaside Arena will dramatically enhance Cebu’s capacity to host world-class events, attracting a wide range of international clients seeking top-tier facilities.
Mactan Expo Center: A Multi-Use Venue for Business and Leisure
In a move that further strengthens Cebu’s position as a versatile MICE destination, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts Group has announced the Mactan Expo Center, set to open in the fourth quarter of 2025. With a 2,500-seat capacity, this two-level venue is designed to accommodate exhibitions, trade shows, and corporate events. The Mactan Expo Center will offer a seamless blend of business and leisure, positioning Cebu as an attractive option for both professional and recreational travel experiences.
Cebu Tourism Forum: Uniting MICE Stakeholders
The Cebu Tourism Forum and Experiential Tour will focus on the theme “MICE Ready: Staging Cebu for the Global Platform” and will bring together key players in the global tourism industry. The event will feature insightful discussions on the evolving MICE landscape, sustainable tourism practices, and strategies for business event success.
Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, where she will outline how Cebu’s tourism strategies align with national goals and contribute to the growth of the Philippines’ overall tourism industry. The event will also feature prominent speakers like Liz Ortiguera, Global Travel and Tourism Leader, who will present the latest global MICE trends, and Dato Vincent Lim, President of the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations, who will share his insights into the Philippine and international MICE markets.
Additionally, Candice Iyog, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer of Cebu Pacific Air, will reveal how the airline is supporting Cebu’s tourism and business travel growth, highlighting the crucial role air connectivity plays in the development of MICE tourism.
A New Era for Cebu’s MICE Industry
According to CCCI President Jay Yuvallos, the Cebu Tourism Forum represents a pivotal moment in Cebu’s evolution into a leading MICE destination. “This event showcases not only our potential but our readiness to compete globally,” he remarked. Yuvallos emphasized that Cebu’s strategic location, world-class resorts, rich cultural heritage, and rapidly expanding convention infrastructure make it a strong contender in the lucrative MICE sector.
As global business events rebound, organizations are seeking new, exciting destinations for meetings and conferences, and Cebu is primed to capture a significant market share. With these new infrastructure developments, the island is set to offer a unique combination of world-class facilities, stunning natural beauty, and a vibrant local culture.
Why Cebu is a Must-Visit MICE Destination
Cebu’s appeal as a MICE destination lies not only in its expanding infrastructure but also in its unparalleled tourism offerings. Known for its white-sand beaches, luxurious resorts, and rich history, Cebu offers a balanced experience of both business and leisure. As the region continues to evolve, Cebu’s MICE sector will be crucial in shaping the future of tourism in Southeast Asia.
The Cebu Tourism Forum and Experiential Tour promises to be a significant milestone in Cebu’s journey toward becoming a premier global MICE hub. As the event draws near, stakeholders and industry professionals eagerly await the chance to witness firsthand how Cebu is gearing up to compete with the world’s leading destinations. For more information about the upcoming projects and events, visit Cebu Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s official website
Tags: business tourism Cebu, Cebu business events, Cebu Convention Center, Cebu MICE infrastructure, Cebu tourism forum, Cebu tourism growth, Mactan Expo Center Cebu, Meetings and Incentives Cebu, MICE destination Philippines, MICE tourism Cebu, Philippine MICE venues, Philippines business events, SM Seaside Arena Cebu, SMX Convention Center Cebu, Southeast Asia MICE tourism
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