With business events delegates spending roughly five times more than leisure travellers, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) is doubling down on an integrated complex model designed to capture and keep that economic impact within a destination.
Walid Wafik, SMHCC’s senior vice president for operations, said: “At SMHCC, we view convention centres not as standalone facilities but as catalysts for broader economic growth. Our approach is straightforward: we don’t just build venues; we shape destinations.”
This strategy, proven at the SM Mall of Asia complex, is now being scaled to upcoming developments like SMX Seaside Cebu, where a 26-hectare integrated district comprising retail, hospitality, entertainment, and events will serve as a demand engine for the entire region.
Walid noted that SMX Manila welcomed about 4.4 million guests in recent periods, contributing to nearly seven million visitors across the nationwide network – levels that isolated venues rarely match. He attributed this success to large-scale events that generate a recurring flow of people, which strengthens the entire district and accelerates long‑term growth.
“Department of Tourism data shows MICE visitors spend over US$573 per day, roughly five times more than leisure travellers. In a standalone facility, much of that spend disperses across the city. In an integrated complex, it stays within the ecosystem, multiplying benefits across hospitality, retail, and lifestyle components,” he elaborated.
According to Walid, today’s organisers favour streamlined logistics and the convenience of a single, fully integrated destination, where delegates can seamlessly transition from meetings to accommodations, dining, and leisure.
He shared: “Our integrated developments from the dual‑brand complex in Pasay to upcoming properties like Park Inn by Radisson SM City Dasmariñas are built around that expectation, creating a more compelling experience and stronger repeat business.”
When asked about the company’s five-year expansion plan to increase its room count by over 50 per cent, Walid shared that plans are progressing as planned.
All of the new properties are located within the Philippines, reflecting the company’s continued confidence in the market.
The next opening in the pipeline is Park Inn by Radisson SM City Dasmariñas, targeted for 4Q2027. This will be followed in 2028 by openings in SM Olongapo Central (1Q) and Laoag (3Q), alongside a major dual-brand Radisson and Park Inn development at SM Seaside City (3Q). The expansion extends into 2029 with SM City Sta. Rosa in 1Q and a capacity extension for Park Inn by Radisson Davao in 2Q.
