Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino is one of the few hotels in Cebu that can
support mid-sized business events
An upcoming convention centre, more international branded hotels, a larger airport and better air links will change Cebu’s fate, writes Rosa Ocampo
Several developments taking shape in Cebu will help the Philippine destination realise its dream of becoming a business events hub in two years’ time.
A soon-to-come convention centre will address the city’s lack of large-scale venues, while more international hotel chains are eyeing Cebu for their next portfolio expansion which will quench the city’s thirst for global brands.
Walid Wafik, vice president–general manager of SMX Convention Centers, told TTGmice that SMX Convention Center Cebu, slated for an end-2017 opening, will be able to accommodate up to 5,000 pax.
SMX Convention Center Cebu will also have an arena for huge concerts and similar events, as well as a hotel that has yet to be branded, Wafik revealed.
Due to the absence of a convention centre in Cebu, industry sources said the destination has had to reject big events. Mid-sized gatherings in Cebu are usually held in the meeting facilities of hotels such as Radisson Blue Cebu, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, and Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu.
The growing presence of global hotel chains seeking to add properties in Cebu is a much needed development in a province where the majority of hotels are family-owned.
Dusit International will open the 295-key Dusit Princess Hotel Cebu in 2018 and is looking to add another in Cebu’s Oslob resort town, while Asian hospitality chain Plateno Hotels Group is shopping for new opportunities in the province.
Jean-Luc Kebers, managing director of 3D Hospitality Bridge, said interest from foreign hotel investors is good for the industry because it creates competition with local developers.
These hardware developments bode well for Cebu’s business events sector, and they complement the ongoing expansion of Mactan International Airport which will have a second passenger terminal by 2018, said Mary Grace Paulino, tourism officer of the Cebu Provincial Government. The new terminal will double the airport’s capacity to 12 million passengers yearly.
International air links are also being improved. In March Philippine Airlines began direct flights from Los Angeles; Emirates connected Dubai with Cebu via Clark International Airport; EVA Airways launched services from Taipei; XiamenAir started direct services from Xiamen, China.
Matt Poonin, manager sales and marketing, Travelite Travel and Tours, is confident that the new services will boost arrivals from the US, China, Taiwan and Europe especially the French, Dutch, German and UK markets, aided by the new Emirates service.
Poonin told TTGmice that before Emirates had begun its Dubai-Cebu service, a French automotive distribution company had approached Travelite for a series of incentive trips in Cebu for April 2016. Participants will fly from Paris via Dubai, a popular transit point for European travellers today.
Alice Queblatin, managing director of Southwind Travel & Tours (Cebu), expects more MICE groups from the Middle East to come on the wings of Emirates’ new service as well as plans by Qatar Airways to resume direct services between Doha and Cebu this year. Qatar Airways used to serve this route until five years ago.
Kebers expects Cebu to grow as the main gateway to the Philippines.
“Cebu is strategically located as you pass it to go to Bohol or Siquijor in the Visayas and to Siargao in Mindanao,” said Kebers.
He added that “many flights from Manila and China (come through) Cebu” and that “will help solve the (congestion at) Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International airport”.
Jerrie Mendoza, sales manager of Waterfront Hotel & Casino, believes that the recent infrastructure developments will attract more business events from South-east Asia and change the MICE profile that is now dominated by the domestic market.
Meanwhile, a MICE task force is being considered to further harness business amid the positive developments in Cebu. If that pushed through, the team would comprise the Department of Tourism, the local government and private sector players.
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Ann Olalo, director of sales and marketing with Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu
Ann Olalo, director of sales and marketing with Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu, recommends three must-dos in her city
Marvel at Cebu’s ancient Christian landmarks
Visit the huge Basilica del Santo Niño and the 595-year old Magellan’s Cross in front of it. Both landmarks bear testament to the city’s Christian faith, a heritage from Spain.
Chow down local eats
Try Cebu’s famous lechon (whole pig spit-roasted over charcoal) and mangoes.
Go shopping
Make time to shop for local souvenirs and Cebu delicacies such as dried mangoes and other dried fruits, dried seafood, cookies of varied ingredients, and more.
Magellan’s Cross, planted by European explorer Ferdinand
Magellan in the 16th century
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Celebrating Cebu’s craft
Destination Specialists (Cebu) Inc. has begun offering a customised arts and crafts tour to highlight the province’s renowned artisans and their products ranging from export-quality furnitures to dried mangoes.
MICE and inbound manager Merlyn Ebora said the bespoke programme – which is fast gaining popularity among corporate groups – is not merely a tour; participants can also craft their own accessories and ship purchases back home.
The tour includes a stop at the factory of world-renowned furniture maker and manufacturer Kenneth Cobonpue, whose unique pieces grace the homes of royalties and celebrities worldwide. Over 300 craftsmen make upmarket products for his eponymous brand Kenneth Cobonpue and Hive, a collection of Filipino and international designers.
Another interesting activity is the visit to Alegre guitar factory to see the intricate processes involved in assembling the string instrument. Skilled artisans make high-quality guitars that are exported to the US, Canada, Japan and other countries. Participants are also introduced to the assorted types, designs and sizes of guitars.
The tour then goes to the production facilities of Kor Landa Accessories, formed more than 30 years ago by French custom jeweller Jean-Daniel Christin. Kor Landa produces mainly fashion jewellery for export. They are made of natural materials like wood, mother of pearl and stones, and sometimes synthetic produce.
The Cebu experience wouldn’t be complete without visiting the factory of leading dried mangoes exporter Profoods International in Mandaue City. Participants will see how the fruits are selected, prepared, ripen, peeled, sliced and packed. There is also a mango museum and a shop offering discounted buys.
Ebora said other arts and crafts facilities can be included in the programme, depending on participants’ interest.
From left: Alegre guitar factory, Kenneth Cobonpue showroom
