Three convention centers are being planned to be built in Iloilo City, a boost to its position as premier economic hotspot.
Mayor Jerry P. Trenas stressed the welcome development affirmed the city’s potentials as prime MICE destination for Meetings, Incentive travels, Conventions and Exhibitions.
SMX Convention Center targeted a 4,000-seat facility within SM City complex in Mandurriao district set to open in 2021. SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) will break ground the facility next year and looks to complete it by the second quarter of 2021.
Iloilo City MICE director Salvador Sarabia Jr. said Brightside President Nena Sy-Lim visited his office recently to inform of their plans of putting up a five-storey facility at the former Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center along Gen. Luna St.
The old structure has been refurbished and rebranded as The Mansion.
Sarabia said it will include a convention hall with several function rooms.
He added that Imperial Group also plans to construct a multi-purpose convention center with parking spaces along Diversion Road.
Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat has pushed Iloilo City as MICE capital.
“This makes Iloilo City a priority tourism area which meets the global standards for MICE growth and, as it has become more competitive, causes a ripple effect that makes it a truly inclusive tourism development,” Sec. Puyat said.
Treñas said the move has promoted Iloilo City as best place and choice from the already crowded capital cities.
“We want to get as much MICE activities the reason why we invested on promotions. We want to push further this economic driver to provide jobs to our people,” he added.
City Hall has allotted P6-million supplemental fund this year and P28-million budget next year for massive MICE promotions. (Iloilo City PIO)
