MACTAN EXPO2026 addition to Philippines MICE venues
Cebu's emergence as a premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination in Southeast Asia is underpinned by its rapidly expanding infrastructure and a strategic blend of modernity and hospitality. The island's continuous investment in world-class venues and facilities enhances its hosting capacity, setting new benchmarks in the region's event tourism.
Cebu is experiencing a remarkable surge in large-scale, purpose-built convention centers and distinctive event spaces. Flagship venues such as the NUSTAR Convention Center 3D, which opened in mid-2023, and the upcoming SMX Convention Center Cebu—set to become the largest outside Metro Manila by 2026—are leading this transformation. Complemented by the Mactan Expo Center—a P1.5-billion investment scheduled to open in 2025—these facilities signify Cebu's commitment to becoming a top-tier MICE hub.
Moreover, the growth of high-standard hotel meeting venues such as Bai Hotel Cebu and the Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark 3D, both ASEAN MICE awardees, adds further depth to the island's offerings. With new developments like Sofitel Cebu City and the multi-functional SM Seaside Arena on the horizon, Cebu is poised to attract even larger international conferences, exhibitions, and entertainment events.
This strategic infrastructure growth, paired with Cebu's accessibility, rich cultural heritage, and skilled hospitality workforce, gives the island a distinct competitive edge in the global MICE market. Cebu is not just keeping pace—it's setting the pace.
NUSTAR Convention Center · Cebu CityOpened in June 2023, the NUSTAR Convention Center is the largest in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Located within the NUSTAR Resort and Casino complex on Kawit Point, it boasts a 2,449-square-meter interior with a 6-meter-high ceiling, accommodating up to 2,000 guests. The facility includes three banquet halls, a spacious lobby, a pre-function foyer, open areas, and bridal lounges, making it ideal for large-scale events.
Formerly the International Eucharistic Congress Pavilion, the IC3 Convention Center is located within the 23 Minore Park development. It offers a seating capacity of up to 10,000, making it suitable for significant conventions and gatherings. The center is managed by Regent Property International and is owned by the Archdiocese of Cebu.
Scheduled for completion in 2025, Mactan Expo Center is a P1.5-billion project by Megaworld located within the 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown township. The two-level standalone convention center will offer nearly a hectare of MICE space. The ground level features a convention hall accommodating up to 2,500 people in a theater-style setup and 1,600 in a banquet-style setup. The hall can be divided into three smaller halls, each accommodating 700 to 900 persons theater-style. The mezzanine level includes two meeting rooms for smaller events.
A ₱5.3-billion venue from SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu is rising at South Road Properties and is set to open in Q3 2026 as the largest convention facility outside Metro Manila — positioned to compete with leading venues in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. Ahead of that opening, SMHCC already operates Sky Hall Seaside Cebu at SM Seaside City Cebu, the brand's current MICE trade-hall footprint on the island.
Bai Hotel Cebu has been recognized with the ASEAN MICE Venue Standard Award in the Meeting Room Category, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry. The hotel offers modern meeting facilities suitable for various events and gatherings.
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino 3D · Cebu CityA flagship property in Cebu's hospitality sector, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino is a long-standing MICE venue with one of the largest grand ballrooms in the Philippines, capable of hosting up to 4,000 guests. The hotel offers multiple function rooms, state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities, and a strategic location within Cebu City's key business hubs, making it a top choice for international conferences, exhibitions, and corporate gatherings.
Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark · Lapu-Lapu CityJpark Island Resort has garnered the ASEAN MICE Venue Award for the Event Venue Category, highlighting its world-class facilities and services. The resort is equipped to handle different events, from corporate meetings to large-scale conventions.
Radisson Blu Cebu · Cebu CityStrategically located beside SM City Cebu, Radisson Blu offers more than 2,400 square meters of flexible event space, including a pillarless grand ballroom and 10 function rooms. Its professional MICE services and central location make it ideal for business and government events.
Marco Polo Plaza Cebu · Cebu CitySet in the scenic Nivel Hills area, Marco Polo Plaza features elegant meeting venues such as the Grand Ballroom that could accommodate up to 1,000 guests. The hotel's quiet, elevated location and five-star services appeal to executive-level meetings and private functions.
Sofitel Cebu City · Cebu CitySet to open in 2025 within the Masters Tower Cebu, Sofitel Cebu City will offer 195 rooms and state-of-the-art meeting facilities. Ideally located at the Cebu Business Park, Sofitel will cater to business and leisure travelers.
Currently under construction and expected to be completed by 2025, the SM Seaside Arena, a multipurpose indoor arena, has a projected seating capacity of 16,000 to 20,000. Situated in the South Road Properties area, the Arena will serve as a venue for various activities, including concerts, sports events, and international conventions.
Also known as Abellana, the Cebu City Sports Center is a versatile venue with an 8,000-capacity main stadium. It has been a central location for the annual Sinulog festival and other significant events. The facility underwent renovations between 2023 and 2024 to enhance its features.
| Venue Name | Location | Theater Capacity | Banquet Capacity | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NUSTAR Convention Center | Cebu City | 2,000 | N/A | Largest in the Visayas and Mindanao |
| IC3 Convention Center | Cebu City | 10,000 | N/A | Owned by Archdiocese of Cebu |
| Mactan Expo Center | Lapu-Lapu City | 2,500 | 1,600 | Near the beach, divisible halls |
| SMX Convention Center Cebu | Cebu City | TBD | TBD | Opening in 2026, largest outside Metro Manila |
| bai Hotel Cebu | Mandaue City | TBD | TBD | ASEAN MICE Venue Standard Awardee |
| Jpark Island Resort | Lapu-Lapu City | TBD | TBD | ASEAN MICE Venue Awardee |
| Sofitel Cebu City | Cebu City | TBD | TBD | Opening in 2025, located in Cebu Business Park |
| SM Seaside Arena | Cebu City | 16,000–20,000 | TBD | Multipurpose indoor arena |
| Cebu City Sports Center | Cebu City | 8,000 | TBD | Renovated in 2023–2024 |
“This comprehensive overview of Cebu's venues and facilities highlights its robust infrastructure and readiness to host various MICE events, making it a premier global destination.”
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Cebu's Premier Stage for Grand Ideas · Ready in 2026
Host Bigger, Bolder Events at SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu. Step into Cebu's largest and most versatile event venue—SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu. With 21,000 sqm of flexible space, seamless mall and arena access, and panoramic views of the sea, it's the perfect stage for conventions, exhibitions, and grand celebrations.
Smart design. World-class facilities. A venue with impact. Book your next event at the heart of Cebu's thriving MICE hub.
SM Prime · SMX Convention Center · SM Hotels and Conventions
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As one of Asia's rising stars for business tourism, Cebu is more than just a tropical paradise – it is a strategic and dynamic MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. Cebu checks all the boxes: strategic location, robust infrastructure, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
While a successful MICE event requires great venues and agendas, the quality of accommodation plays a crucial role in shaping the delegates' impression. Whether you're hosting international congresses, corporate retreats, product launches, or long-term consultancy programs, Cebu's hospitality landscape offers a wide array of options, from five-star towers to boutique hideaways.
Here's a comprehensive tiered guide to the top accommodations that make Cebu the ideal destination for business and beyond.
NUSTAR Resort – Fili HotelLocated within the expansive NUSTAR Resort, Fili Hotel is Cebu's first Filipino 5-star hotel brand. Its 379 guest rooms and suites blend Filipino craftsmanship and contemporary décor while featuring breathtaking views of the Mactan Channel and Cebu City's skyline. The NUSTAR Convention Center, inaugurated in 2023, is the largest of its kind in the Visayas and Mindanao, featuring three grand ballrooms and meeting places totaling over 7,000 square meters.
Shangri-La Mactan 3DSet amidst 13 hectares of lush gardens and a 350-meter private beach, Shangri-La Mactan offers 541 rooms and suites. From luxurious rooms to serene landscapes and breathtaking views, every part of the resort is a pleasurable experience. The resort boasts extensive MICE facilities, including multiple meeting rooms and a business center equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Its ASEAN MICE Venue Award from the Department of Tourism is a testament to its commitment to excellence in hosting business events.
SheratonNestled along the pristine shores of Mactan Island, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort 3D offers over 200 luxurious rooms and suites, providing guests with breathtaking ocean views and premium amenities. The resort also offers eight event venues, including its expansive 727-square-meter Grand Ballroom which can accommodate up to 756 guests. Complementing these are meeting rooms, a boardroom, and a pre-function area, all designed to maximize natural light and offer stunning sea views.
Radisson BluStrategically located at the gateway of Cebu City, Radisson Blu has 400 stylish rooms and suites where guests can unwind while being treated to panoramic views of the city or Cebu's harbor. The hotel has over 2,400 square meters of flexible meeting space, including the city's largest pillarless ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,200 guests. These amenities are significant in hosting high-profile major events like the APEC Summit and ASEAN Conference.
Marco Polo PlazaPerched atop Nivel Hills, 600 feet above sea level, Marco Polo features 329 well-appointed guest rooms and suites offering panoramic views of the city. It offers over 3,600 square meters of flexible event space, accommodating gatherings of various sizes. The centerpiece – the Cebu Grand Ballroom – spans approximately 1,100 square meters and can host up to 1,200 guests.
Waterfront Cebu City HotelSituated at the heart of the city, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel features 561 rooms and suites. Its central location ensures easy access to Cebu's business districts and tourist attractions. The hotel boasts over 10,000 square meters of event space, including the Pacific Grand Ballroom, the largest MICE venue in the city with a capacity of up to 7,000 guests. The hotel has been recognized with the ASEAN MICE Venue Standard Award.
Mövenpick Hotel Mactan 3DLocated along the shores of Mactan Island, Mövenpick Hotel Mactan offers 245 guest rooms and suites that seamlessly blend Swiss hospitality with tropical charm, providing comfort and luxury for attendees. This beachfront resort offers over 1,000 square meters of flexible event space, accommodating a variety of functions from intimate meetings to large-scale conferences.
Jpark Island ResortJpark Island Resort is a mix of luxury, functionality, and entertainment. It features 568 rooms, villas, and suites, with an on-site water park that provides guests with a fun and comfortable stay. The resort has over 2,200 square meters of flexible meeting space across 12 venues. The Triton Grand Ballrooms can accommodate up to 1,000 guests in a theater-style setup. It has earned multiple ASEAN MICE Venue Awards as well.
Tambuli is located along the serene shores of Maribago on Mactan Island. Its 11 hectares of lush tropical landscape provide guests with a tranquil environment to relax and rejuvenate. The resort features over 6,000 square meters of conference space, comprising five adaptable meeting rooms. These venues are designed to accommodate a range of events, from intimate team meetings to larger seminars and conferences.
Whether you're organizing a 500-delegate summit or a 20-person leadership offsite, the right accommodation can enhance the overall event experience. Cebu's diverse hotel and resort offerings – paired with its warm hospitality and top-tier facilities – ensure that every participant enjoys every minute of the stay.
For planners looking to create seamless, productive, and memorable events, Cebu is ready. Let your next MICE event begin, with the right place to stay, because in Cebu, business and leisure always go hand in hand.
The printed guidebook carried full-page advertisements from several of Cebu's leading MICE hotels. Their original ad copy and contact details are reproduced here.
Crimson Resort & Spa | Mactan | CebuCrimson Resort and Spa Mactan 3D delivers an exceptional MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Events) experience with world-class facilities, seamless service, and innovative cuisine.
For Inquiries
mactan.bse1@crimsonhotel.com · +63 998 961 6113
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Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino(+63 32) 232 6888 · Facebook: waterfrontcebucity · Instagram/X: waterfrontcebu
Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City, 6000 Philippines
Central Reservation Office: 1-800-10-9376688
bai Hotel Cebu is a four-star hospitality property in Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines. Opened in 2017, bai Hotel Cebu is an independent hotel strategically situated along the booming North Reclamation Area of Mandaue and between the bustling cities of Cebu and Lapu-Lapu. It presents a spectacular harbor and city views with ultra-modern amenities and facilities. In its 23-floor edifice are a rooftop lap pool, 668 guest rooms, 8 restaurants, and 13 event spaces perfect for all meetings and conference venues. All these are stylishly designed in contemporary hues that evoke an ambiance of modern luxury and spaciousness.
Ouano Ave. corner C.D. Seno St., City South Special Economic Administrative Zone, Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines 6014
+6332 342 8888 · +63 998 842 8888 · +63 917 141 5888 · info@baihotel.com.ph
bai HOTEL CEBU · WorldHotels Elite
Award badges: ASEAN MICE Venue Standards 2020–2022; ASEAN MICE Venue Standards (Category Meeting Room) 2024–2026; World Travel Awards — Philippines' Leading Business Hotel 2024; Best of Cebu 2022 — Best Venue for Meetings and Conferences; Best of Cebu 2022 — Hotel of the Year; Best of Cebu 2023 — Hotel of the Year.
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Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark MactanFeatured throughout Cebu's Best Stays above with 568 rooms, villas and suites, an on-site water park, over 2,200 square meters of flexible meeting space across 12 venues, and multiple ASEAN MICE Venue Awards.
jparkislandresort.com →
Seda Ayala Center CebuNamed in the guidebook's “Beyond the Boardroom” feature among the properties — alongside Quest Serviced Residences and Citadines Cebu City — that cater specifically to extended-stay guests, blending the comforts of home with the conveniences of a hotel.
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Megaworld Hotels & Resorts supports Cebu's MICE thrust
Cebu continues to strengthen its position as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) in the Philippines. With world-class infrastructure, a strategic central location, and a globally connected international airport, Cebu, particularly Mactan, is primed for high-impact business events. Megaworld is supporting this thrust thru its integrated MICE developments in the city. A quick drive from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, which connects Cebu to over 40 international and domestic destinations, Mactan Newtown is a township designed to support both corporate and lifestyle-driven events. The township offers a dynamic MICE hub anchored by the Mactan Expo Center (MEC), Belmont Hotel Mactan, Savoy Hotel Mactan, and the expansive Mactan Newtown Beach.
Set within a 30-hectare integrated township, MEC offers adaptable indoor spaces, making it ideal for business conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, and corporate gatherings. The ground level features a convention hall that can host up to 2,500 guests in a theater-style setup or 1,600 for banquets. It can be divided into three smaller halls, each accommodating 500 to 900 guests, depending on the set-up. It also includes a spacious foyer, two drop-off areas, a service kitchen, cafes, and an event showroom showcasing sample setups for clients. True to its tagline, “Bridging Connections, Inspiring Innovations,” MEC's central location in the Philippines positions it as a natural meeting point for delegates coming from domestic and international locations opening doors for global partnerships.
For planners seeking distinctive venues with a sense of place, Mactan Newtown Beach offers a private, coastal setting ideal for corporate socials, sunset receptions, and wellness-focused team activities. Within the beach enclave are two premier event spaces: the Glass Pavilion, a fully air-conditioned beachfront hall enclosed in glass with panoramic sea views, and the Ceremonial Garden, a beautifully landscaped open-air venue perfect for outdoor launches, awards nights, and intimate gatherings. These venues seamlessly blend business with leisure, elevating event experiences while offering guests a refreshing change of scenery.
To complement the MICE facilities, Belmont Hotel Mactan and Savoy Hotel Mactan provide over 1,000 rooms and suites, offering unparalleled accessibility and comfort for delegates. Belmont Hotel Mactan offers a refined, business-leisure atmosphere perfect for senior executives and intimate board meetings. Meanwhile, Savoy Hotel Mactan delivers a dynamic and youthful energy perfect for larger delegations and business travelers. Aside from comfortable rooms, each hotel features several function rooms, meeting spaces, breakout rooms, all-day dining options, and MHR's brand of service – the Sampaguita.
Both hotels are part of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, the largest hospitality operator in the country with 15 properties across 8 distinguished brands and two convention centers in Boracay and Mactan. MHR's portfolio includes Belmont Hotel Manila, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Belmont Hotel Mactan, Savoy Hotel Manila, Savoy Hotel Boracay, Savoy Hotel Mactan, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Hotel Lucky Chinatown, Twin Lakes Hotel, Kingsford Hotel Manila, and Grand Westside Hotel, with Chancellor Hotel Boracay and Belmont Hotel Iloilo set to open in Q4 2025. With its integrated facilities, strategic accessibility, and commitment to service excellence, Mactan is ready to welcome the world with Megaworld Hotels & Resorts contributing to Cebu's continued growth as a rising MICE destination.
MEGAWORLD HOTELS & RESORTS
salesinquiry@megaworldhotels.com
Boracay Newcoast Convention Center — part of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts' two convention centers in Boracay and Mactan.
As Cebu continues to establish itself as a premier MICE destination in Southeast Asia, it's not only the tropical beauty and rich culture that draws people – but also its world-class accommodations. From luxury executive suites and long-stay residences to seamless group booking packages, Cebu offers a range of lodging options tailored to meet the diverse needs of business travelers, corporate delegations, and event planners alike.
Cebu's hospitality industry is well-versed in handling group bookings efficiently and with finesse. Hotels and resorts across the island offer flexible group booking options for a multinational conference, a corporate retreat, or a business trip. Most major hotels in Cebu offer comprehensive MICE packages with features such as:
For professionals on extended assignments or businesses establishing regional offices, Cebu provides many long-stay accommodation options. Properties like Seda Ayala Center Cebu, Quest Serviced Residences, and Citadines Cebu City cater specifically to extended guests, blending the comforts of home with the conveniences of a hotel.
These residences offer fully furnished units with kitchenettes, laundry facilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, and access to wellness centers, meeting rooms, and co-working spaces.
Guests benefit from flexible leasing terms, often with discounted monthly rates, and added services like housekeeping and concierge support tailored for long-term comfort and productivity.
For C-suite executives and VIP delegates, Cebu delivers top-tier luxury. A wide selection of lavish executive suites is designed to blend privacy, elegance, and functionality.
Many luxury resorts in Mactan Island offer executive-level suites with panoramic sea views, private dining spaces, and exclusive club lounge access.
High-ranking officials, keynote speakers, and international stakeholders will find these suites offer the perfect balance of relaxation and efficiency.
What sets Cebu apart is its ability to integrate business and leisure. After meetings or conferences, guests can unwind on white-sand beaches, dive into a vibrant culinary scene, or explore centuries-old heritage sites, all just minutes from their accommodation.
From hosting multi-day international conventions to relocating regional personnel, Cebu's hospitality portfolio is ready to meet your needs. With scalable group booking solutions, thoughtfully designed long-stay residences and executive suites that rival the best in Asia, Cebu is a complete MICE experience.
As the global events industry continues to rebound from the aftermath of the pandemic, Cebu is emerging as a captivating destination—not only as a paradise for those seeking leisure but also as one of the Philippines' most attractive Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) destinations.
With its remarkable mix of world-class facilities, exceptional expertise, and the heartfelt warmth of its hospitality, Cebu is becoming a preferred choice for organizers of international conferences, dynamic business expos, and engaging incentive travel programs.
Moreover, what Cebu offers transcends mere venues but provides a holistic and unforgettable experience. Here are some of the things that make Cebu an exceptional MICE destination.
Whether hosting a prestigious summit or a bustling international trade fair, Cebu excels in delivering comprehensive event services, ensuring a smooth and efficient planning experience.
Cebu boasts an expansive array of world-class venues like the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, and the… (the guidebook's text continues past the pages covered by this section)
The guidebook's directory section lists Cebu's MICE venues, transportation providers, and its full accommodation roster by area and category. It is reproduced here in full, grouped exactly as printed.
The guidebook's accommodation directory (pages 90–91) closes with a directory of Cebu delicacy shops and specialty restaurants. Reproduced here in full for completeness, alongside the pasalubong and dining photo captions printed on that spread.
From entry requirements to entertainment suppliers and tour operators, continue through the guide.
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