Central Visayas gains foothold as MICE hub

Stakeholder collaboration and sustained investments in infrastructure and service capabilities are helping position Central Visayas as an emerging force in the global meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) market—an arena long dominated by regional hubs such as Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur and Bali.

- By Ehda M Dagooc Staff Member

At the start of 2026, Cebu—the region’s primary gateway—hosted high-level gatherings including the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat and the ASEAN Tourism Forum. Nearby Panglao Island in Bohol served as venue for the First ASEAN Senior Economic Officials’ Meeting, underscoring the region’s growing capacity to stage large-scale international events.

The events pipeline remains robust, with a mix of government, corporate and sports-related gatherings scheduled throughout the year. Among these are the 11th International Travel Festival held at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel from March 13 to 15, the Sports Tourism Forum Cebu at Nustar Resort Hotel on March 18, the Sinag Liga Asya Junior World Showcase in July, the Build Better 2026 conference and the Bjorn Again ABBA concert tour in August, and the Asian Carriers Conference in September.