Philippines' Megaworld launches first stand-alone expo in Cebu
Property developer Megaworld Corp. has officially opened its first stand-alone convention centre in Cebu to mark the company’s bold entry into the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector as it positions itself as a rising hub for international business events.
The Mactan Expo will be located inside the 30-hectare Mactan Newtown township in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. Worth Php1.5 billion ($25.3 million), the project is meant to provide “world-class convention facilities that will help attract more international conventions and events to the Philippines,” said Megaworld president and CEO Lourdes T. Gutierrez-Alfonso in a statement.
Megaworld, a subsidiary of Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI), is best known for its integrated urban townships across the Philippines. The move into MICE complements its existing hospitality and leisure portfolio, which includes Newport World Resorts operator Travellers International Hotel Group Inc.
Strategic expansion into MICE
The Mactan Expo is expected to serve as a catalyst for Cebu’s tourism economy, which has seen steady growth in visitor arrivals and hotel occupancy in recent years. According to the Department of Tourism (DOT-7), visitor arrivals in Cebu in 2025 have shifted, with Japanese and tourists emerging as growth markets while Korean arrivals declined 18 percent.
In H1 2025, Cebu welcomed 127,465 Japanese visitors, which represents a 23 percent year-on-year increase, making Japan one of Cebu’s fastest-growing tourism markets. Meanwhile, Taiwanese visitors rose to 28,881 compared to 28,587 in 2024.
This shift illustrates that Cebu is no longer reliant solely on Korean tourists and that the region’s growing appeal is as both a leisure and MICE destination. Industry analysts note that the project strengthens Cebu’s competitiveness against regional MICE destinations like Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur.
The convention centre will debut on the global stage as one of the official venues for the ASEAN Summit in January 2026, hosting the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) from 28 to 30 January under the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF).
Innovation and sustainability
Designed to accommodate large-scale gatherings, the Mactan Expo features include a pillarless main hall with seating capacity for thousands, enabling uninterrupted exhibitions, conferences, and celebrations. The venue will include eco-friendly design elements, with energy-efficient lighting and sustainable materials aimed at securing green building certifications.
AGI President and CEO Kevin Tan has also confirmed plans for a small-scale integrated resort with casino gaming inside Mactan Newtown, as well as in Boracay, to further diversify the group’s tourism and leisure portfolio.
Celebrating Cebuano identity
The convention centre’s design pays homage to Cebu’s rich culture and natural beauty. There will be sculptural wall installations adorned with seashells from Cebu’s pristine beaches. In another area, a light-filled foyer features abstract artwork inspired by the island’s coastline. At its main lobby, commissioned works will be showcased by prominent Cebuano artists.
Additional amenities include a VIP lounge, Muslim-friendly prayer rooms, and integrated showrooms highlighting the versatility of the conference spaces.The Philippines has already hosted twice in the past. About 600 meetings will be held across the country, as reported by several local media outlets.
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