Cebu is no stranger to global attention, but with the rise of the ultramodern Mactan Expo, the Queen City of the South is stepping confidently onto the international stage as a hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
Set to open by December 2025, this new landmark is being eyed as a key venue for the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) and potentially the ASEAN Summit in 2026, just in time for the Philippines’ turn to chair the regional bloc.
A Philippine Showcase for ASEAN
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has confirmed that Cebu will host the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in January 2026. Among the venues being considered for key plenary sessions is none other than the Mactan Expo Center, which is nearing completion inside Megaworld’s 30-hectare Mactan Newtown township in Lapu-Lapu City.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco shared that the site is undergoing active evaluation. “No less than our First Lady, Liza Araneta-Marcos, has come to Cebu to inspect the possible venues,” Frasco said during the 2025 Cebu Tourism Forum. She added that with Megaworld onboard, the Mactan Expo could become a highly attractive choice for ASEAN’s top tourism events.
This potential hosting is more than a scheduling milestone, it’s a symbol of Cebu’s rising status in the international tourism scene.
The Most Modern Convention Center in Cebu
At nearly one hectare in size and developed with a PHP1.5-billion investment, the Mactan Expo Center stands as Cebu’s most modern and versatile convention venue to date. Here’s what sets it apart:
1. Large Capacity
a. Can host up to 2,500 guests for big conferences or 1,600 for banquets
b. Spaces can be divided into smaller halls for flexible event setups
2. Modern Amenities
a. Includes meeting rooms, pre-function areas, and an open-air balcony
b. Built-in service kitchen, café spaces, and a sample event showroom
3. Cebuano-Inspired Design
a. Interiors showcase local culture, nature, and artistry
b. Stylish façade lights up at night
4. Beachside Location
a. Just steps away from Mactan Newtown Beach
b. Near Glass Pavilion and Ceremonial Garden for beachfront events
5. Hotel Access
a. Walking distance to Savoy and Belmont Hotels
b. Belmont to be rebranded as Mercure Mactan Cebu (Accor Hotels)
Walking Distance to Paradise
Located within Mactan Newtown Beach, the Mactan Expo Center boasts rare proximity to sand and sea. This unique setup allows delegates to take breaks or even hold events in beachfront venues without ever leaving the township.
Among these are the Glass Pavilion, an air-conditioned, all-glass space with panoramic sea views, and the Ceremonial Garden, perfect for wellness retreats, weddings, and laid-back networking. This seamless fusion of business and leisure gives the Mactan Expo an edge few venues in Asia can match.
Hotels and Global Hospitality
Just across the Expo are two existing hotels—Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown and Belmont Hotel Mactan—offering a combined 1,100 rooms. Even more exciting is the upcoming transformation of Belmont into Mercure Mactan Cebu, under a landmark partnership with global hospitality brand Accor.
This rebranding will mark the entry of an international hotel brand within the township, raising the township’s hospitality offerings to global standards and making it easier to host multi-day international events without needing additional transport logistics.
Cebu on the World Stage
With the Mactan Expo, Cebu is sending a clear message: it is ready to take center stage in international MICE tourism. The combined power of its modern infrastructure, iconic local flair, and tropical setting makes it a natural fit for high-profile gatherings, not just in ASEAN but across the global circuit.
As the Department of Tourism continues its coordination with local stakeholders, the opportunity to shine on the world stage becomes more than a possibility—it becomes inevitable.
With its cultural soul, beachside charm, and global-ready facilities, the Mactan Expo Center isn’t just a new venue—it’s Cebu’s bold step into the future of international tourism.
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