Megaworld’s Mactan Expo in The Mactan Newtown township in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu was officially inaugurated on March 16 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., marking a key milestone for the developer’s push into the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) industry. The beachside facility is Megaworld Corp.’s first stand-alone convention and exhibition center and is expected to help expand the country’s capacity to host major international events.
The ceremony also carried historical significance, taking place exactly 505 years after Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan first arrived in the Philippines. With the venue now formally opened, Mactan Expo is preparing to welcome regional leaders and delegates for the upcoming 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in May.
Megaworld Expands Into the MICE Sector
Located within the 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown township, Mactan Expo is designed to host large-scale conventions and exhibitions. The two-level facility features a high-ceiling, pillarless main hall that can accommodate around 3,000 delegates, along with meeting rooms, VIP lounges, and beachfront function areas.
The venue has already hosted the ASEAN Travel Exchange and is positioned to become a major gathering place for conferences and exhibitions in the region. Being situated inside Megaworld’s integrated township allows visitors to easily access nearby hotels, offices, retail outlets, and lifestyle spaces.
“The Mactan Expo serves as an important platform for Cebu and for the Philippines, opening new opportunities for tourism, business, and investment in our country. It is a strong example of how the government and the private sector can work together—from start to finish—to deliver something meaningful and successful,” Kevin Tan, president and CEO of Alliance Global Group, said during the inauguration.
Cebu as a Business Gateway
Megaworld said the project also supports the broader growth of The Mactan Newtown township, where hospitality and tourism developments are integrated with business and residential spaces.
“In many ways, Mactan Expo will become a lasting legacy for our country—a place where the Philippines can host major international gatherings for many years to come. And right beside Mactan Expo, we are also developing the Mactan World Museum, which will celebrate Cebu’s rich heritage and its important role in shaping our nation’s story,” Tan noted as he discussed the vision behind the development.
“Together, these developments further strengthen Cebu’s role as a gateway for tourism and business in the Philippines,” he added.
Impact on Cebu’s Economy and Local Opportunities
The convention center, located beside Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown and Mercure Mactan Cebu, positions Megaworld to capture tourism demand while supporting broader economic activity across the township. With its official inauguration complete, Mactan Expo is set to become a key venue for both regional and international events, reinforcing Cebu’s role as a premier MICE destination.
Beyond hosting conferences and exhibitions, the facility is expected to generate significant jobs and business opportunities for the region. From hospitality and event management to transportation and retail, the influx of delegates and tourists will boost hotel occupancy, increase foot traffic for local businesses, and contribute to sustainable economic growth across Cebu.
Megaworld’s integrated township strategy ensures that the benefits extend beyond the convention center, strengthening the city’s position as a hub for business, tourism, and investment.
