For event planners seeking a destination that balances accessibility, affordability, and unforgettable experiences, look no further than the Philippines. Easily accessible from Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and North America, this tropical archipelago is riding an exciting wave of development that makes it perfect for any MICE event.
As one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, with a projected GDP growth of 6% in 2025 and a robust domestic
market accounting for more than 100 million trips, the Philippines is a natural fit for corporate events across all sectors. With expanding infrastructure and a growing portfolio of hotels and venues, the country is ready to redefine event planning experience in 2025 and beyond.
Growing accessibility and connections
Hosting an event in the Philippines has never been easier. Its 7,000+ islands offer endless opportunities for adventure, while significant upgrades in infrastructure and expanded flight routes make getting around a breeze.
Providing convenient entry points into the country are four major international airports: Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Clark International Airport north of the capital, Mactan-Cebu International Airport in the Visayan Region, and Davao International Airport serving Mindanao and the south. Work will soon begin on the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan province, further enhancing connectivity.
National flag carrier Philippine Airlines, as well as Cebu Pacific and AirAsia,
have expanded routes and increased frequencies. Recent additions include Sapporo,
Osaka, Brisbane, and Chiang Mai, along with enhanced
connections to Bangkok and Hong Kong. For those organising
international or trans-Pacific conferences, delegates now have additional
options, including Seattle and Vancouver. Moreover, Air
France has resumed its Paris-Manila route, providing a
direct link between Europe and the Philippines after a 20-year hiatus, further
boosting accessibility for business and leisure travellers.
The Philippines’ proximity to key Asian capitals such as Tokyo, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore (just 3–4.5 hours away by air) makes it ideal for regional events, while Australian cities such as Perth and Brisbane are less than eight hours away.
An archipelago that engages and excites
The Philippines is more than just a meeting spot; it’s a destination that inspires. Each location offers something unique, whether you’re hosting a gala event in bustling Manila, planning island-hopping incentives in pristine Palawan, or staging a conference in cultural Cebu.
Domestic flights make exploring easy, allowing delegates to unwind in the mountains or on tropical island resorts. Post-conference programmes or multi-destination incentives offer planners world of possibilities.
Furthermore, Filipinos, known for their exceptional warmth and friendliness, provide welcoming arms and unmatched service for memorable events. Local expertise, which is essential, can help enhance unique experiences for delegates, from carefully curated gala dinners to informal lunches and live music performances.
Unbeatable value for events
The Philippines is also incredibly affordable for meeting
and incentive planners. In 2024, average daily hotel rates in Manila were
estimated to be half of those in Hong Kong or Singapore and almost 30% lower
than in Bangkok. The Philippine Hotel Owners Association has committed to
adding 40,000 new hotel rooms by 2030.
A raft of new openings has brought more international brand names to the Philippines. Leading the way is the Grand Westside Hotel in Manila’s fourth integrated resort, offering 1,530 rooms and suites, four divisible function spaces for business events with up to 300 guests, and outdoor venues like the Patio and @Gazebo. In Cebu, the beachfront Mactan Belmont Luxury Hotel, Mactan Newtown in Cebu, and the Sofitel Cebu City (opening in 2025) offer world-class options.
Aside from established international convention centres in Manila and Cebu, the Filipino private sector is busy driving MICE infrastructure development too. SMX Convention Center (SMX) now has a network of six purpose-built venues in Manila, Taguig, Davao, Bacolod, Olongapo, and Clark.
The heart of Filipino hospitality
While infrastructure and affordability are crucial for events and meetings, what truly makes the Philippines stand out is its hospitality culture. Ensuring guest comfort is second nature to Filipinos, and event attendees consistently praise the high levels of service, which often surpass those of comparable destinations.
The Philippines’ MICE sector takes this
commitment seriously. Through events like the Philippine MICE Conference
(MICECON), organised by the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, industry
professionals engage in continuing education, gaining insights into emerging
trends and best practices. As a premier platform for knowledge exchange and
professional development, MICECON aligns with the Department of Tourism’s
Filipino Brand of Service Excellence, further reinforcing the country’s
commitment to delivering world-class, seamless experiences for clients and
participants alike.
The country’s commitment to world-class MICE services is
exemplified by the ‘MICE Philippines: We Take Your Business to Heart’ programme,
launched in 2024. This initiative positions the Philippines as a premier
destination for international business events, seamlessly blending professional
excellence with a personal touch – combining state-of-the-art venues with the
legendary warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people.
Blending its heritage of hospitality with modern, affordable accommodation and conference facilities, the Philippines offers an inspirational choice for meeting and event planners in 2025 and beyond.
Click here to begin your discovery of the Philippines for your next event.
This article is brought to you by Tourism Promotions Board Philippines