Cebu’s Mactan Expo Ready for ASEAN Spotlight
Megaworld’s Mactan Expo is quickly establishing itself as Cebu’s premier venue for high-profile regional gatherings. The convention center will host the first ASEAN event of 2026, the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), from January 28 to 30. This event is a key part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum. It is expected to bring together tourism ministers, senior government officials, industry leaders, exhibitors, and media from across Southeast Asia.
A World-Class Convention Center in Cebu
As Megaworld’s first stand-alone convention facility, Mactan Expo represents a P1.5-billion investment and a two-year labor of planning and construction. Government agencies, including Malacañang and representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, conducted multiple site visits to ensure the facility met international standards. Tourism and MICE organizations from ASEAN countries also performed walk-throughs. They confirmed that the center was fully prepared to host high-profile regional gatherings.
Filipino Design Meets World-Class Functionality
One of Mactan Expo’s standout features is its Filipino-inspired design, celebrating Cebuano culture through visual references such as guitars and mangoes. These elements give the venue a distinct local character while providing a world-class convention experience.
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The main ground-floor hall can accommodate up to 2,500 guests, making it ideal for large-scale conferences, exhibitions, and formal gatherings. Supporting facilities include pre-function foyers, VIP rooms, a showroom, cafés, a service kitchen, and expansive drop-off and driveway areas.
On the mezzanine level, Mactan Expo offers additional meeting rooms, pre-function spaces, and an open-air balcony. These can host networking or cultural activities. Interior upgrades have been made to ensure comfort, accessibility, and safety for ASEAN leaders and other high-profile delegates.
Strategic Location for Maximum Convenience
Located in The Mactan Newtown, Mactan Expo enjoys a prime Cebu location. It is just a five-minute walk from the township beachfront and 10 minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Its proximity to major transport hubs and attractions strengthens its appeal as a regional MICE destination.
Adjacent hotels, Savoy Hotel Mactan and Mercure Mactan Cebu (formerly Belmont Hotel), provide more than 1,000 rooms combined, accommodating international and local guests. Nearby dining options, including two Gordon Ramsay restaurant concepts—Street Burger and Fish & Chips—opened in 2025, further enhancing the venue’s convenience and allure.
Mactan Expo’s Role in ASEAN and Beyond
The upcoming TRAVEX 2026 will position Mactan Expo as a hub for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. Its capacity, design, and location make it ideal for regional networking, exhibitions, and formal summits. The convention center is not just a venue. It is a showcase of Filipino creativity, efficiency, and hospitality, ready to host leaders and delegates from across Southeast Asia.
With its combination of strategic location, modern facilities, and Filipino-inspired design, Mactan Expo is more than a convention center—it is a statement that Cebu is ready to host world-class events. As ASEAN activities continue to expand in the region, Mactan Expo is poised to become the preferred destination for conferences, exhibitions, and high-profile gatherings.
Mactan Expo is setting new standards for Philippine convention centers, proving that Cebu can compete with top MICE hubs in Asia while highlighting the country’s culture, innovation, and hospitality.
