Cebu secures historic hosting bid for MICECON 2027

Cebu secures historic hosting bid for MICECON 2027

CEBU CITY — Thirteen years after last hosting the country's premier event industry gathering, Cebu is gearing up to welcome the Philippine Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) Conference back to its shores in 2027.

The official announcement was made on September 8, during the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2026 hosted dinner at the Solaire Resort Entertainment City in Manila, signaling Cebu's comeback as a leading hub for regional business tourism and event innovation.

The winning bid was the culmination of months of intensive preparation and cross-sector collaboration under a unified "One Cebu" campaign. Spearheaded by the Cebu MICE Alliance, the bid brought together key regional stakeholders, including the Department of Tourism Central Visayas (DOT-7), the Hotel Resort & Restaurant Association of Cebu Inc. (HRRACI), the Cebu Alliance of Tour Operation Specialists Inc. (CATOS), local business chambers, and the leadership of the Cebu Provincial Government alongside the tri-cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu.

Josef Chiongbian, Vice President for External Affairs of the Cebu MICE Alliance and General Manager of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the effort.

“Months of rigorous preparation went into building this proposal, but our greatest strength was bringing our local leaders together. Engaging the Cebu Provincial Government and the Mayors of our tri-cities to unite under one single Cebu bid proves how Cebuanos collaborate and step up to position Cebu as a global powerhouse. This win belongs to the entire community,” Chiongbian said.

As the Philippine MICE industry continues to expand, MICECON 2027 is slated to draw international buyers, event planners, trade delegates, and global tourism leaders. Beyond showcasing the region’s expanding modern infrastructure, convention centers, and hotel capacity, the event aims to highlight Cebu’s cultural heritage and sustainable, regenerative event practices.

Cleofe Albiso, President of the Cebu MICE Alliance, noted that returning the conference to the province marks a significant milestone for the local tourism economy.

"Bringing MICECON back to Cebu after more than a decade is both a milestone and a strong validation of our industry's enduring strength and growth," Albiso stated.

This hosting duty allows the alliance to demonstrate how Cebu harmoniously combines top-tier business infrastructure with deep-rooted cultural experiences and regenerative, forward-thinking event practices, she added.

The arrival of MICECON 2027 is expected to drive substantial economic activity across Cebu’s hospitality, transport, food and beverage, and retail sectors, further bolstering the region's position as a competitive venue for major international conventions in Asia.

Further details regarding event programming, venue selections, and registration timelines will be announced in upcoming official briefings. (Photos: MICE Alliance)