The ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) will serve as the first international event at Mactan Expo, located within the 30-hectare Mactan Newtown township of property giant Megaworld in Lapu-Lapu City.
Scheduled from Jan. 28 to 30 as one of the key events of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), TRAVEX will host at least 597 foreign buyers for business-to-business meetings with local sellers, including hotels, resorts, travel and tour operators, transport providers, and other players across the tourism value chain.
Megaworld’s formal entry into the MICE business
The P1.5-billion Mactan Expo is Megaworld’s first stand-alone convention center, signaling the company’s formal entry into the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) business.
Aside from TRAVEX, Mactan Expo will also serve as one of the venues for the upcoming ASEAN Summit, where Cebu is expected to host the second-highest number of meetings after the National Capital Region.
Designed to set a new benchmark for world-class conventions and events in the Philippines, Mactan Expo is a celebration of Cebuano identity, with architectural elements reflecting the island’s culture and natural beauty while supporting seamless large-scale gatherings.
Design meets identity
Its pillarless main hall allows uninterrupted exhibitions, conferences, and celebrations, while sculptural wall installations adorned with seashells sourced from Cebu’s beaches add a distinct local touch.
ATF delegates will be welcomed by a light-filled foyer featuring abstract artwork inspired by the movement of Cebu’s coastline, while the main lobby showcases commissioned works by Cebuano artists.
Mactan Expo also supports diverse guest needs through a VIP lounge, Muslim-friendly prayer rooms, and an integrated showroom highlighting its conference spaces—each named after Cebu’s famous beaches—along with comprehensive venue services.
Built for scale
The venue’s layout allows guests to navigate the convention center with ease, complemented by ample parking and efficient circulation.
Megaworld plans to expand its MICE business to other townships in key tourism destinations over the next five to ten years, building on the Mactan Expo model.
“One of Megaworld’s opening salvos in nation-building was the expansion of our hotels, and now we are entering the MICE business to provide essential developments and world-class convention facilities,” said Lourdes T. Gutierrez-Alfonso, president and CEO of Megaworld.
Expansion plans
“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,” Gutierrez-Alfonso added.
To strengthen its entry into the MICE industry, Megaworld has tapped veteran MICE executive Louella Caridad to lead its convention and exhibition business, overseeing development, management, and operations nationwide.
Caridad previously served as chief operating officer of World Trade Center Metro Manila and brings over 20 years of experience in retail and real estate operations, energy solutions, and property management.
Integrated events vision
Megaworld’s MICE operations will work closely with Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, enabling a fully integrated events offering that combines convention venues, accommodations, and food and beverage services within its townships.
The property giant is currently the country’s largest hotel developer and operator, with 14 operational hotel properties and approximately 6,500 room keys nationwide.
Contributor
