Caridad, former chief operating officer of World Trade Center Metro Manila, will oversee Megaworld’s entry into the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) segment.
Cebu township takes centerstage
The group is kicking off the business with Mactan Expo, a P1.5-billion stand-alone convention center inside its 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
Megaworld said the venue will be used for the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN Summit, starting with the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) from January 28 to 30.
Why it matters
“After Cebu, we will explore other key growth areas to expand this business as we aim to attract more international conventions and events, just like the ASEAN Summit, which will become a landmark hosting for Megaworld’s first-ever convention center,” said Megaworld president and CEO Lourdes T. Gutierrez-Alfonso.
The new unit will work with Megaworld Hotels & Resorts to bundle event venues with hotel rooms and food and beverage services inside Megaworld townships.
Megaworld said it operates 14 hotels with about 6,500 room keys nationwide, giving it built-in capacity for big events.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
