SM expands MICE destination in Clark

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The SM group, through SMX Convention Center Clark, aims to bolster its capacity to host large-scale events by expanding its usable space by 2026 to 2028. The planned expansion of SMX Clark is already in the pipeline to address the growing demand in the region.

SMX Convention Center Clark is located beside Park Inn by Radisson Clark within SM’s integrated property development in the province. It has over 4,000 square meters of leasable space, 3 halls, 3 function rooms, and 14 meeting rooms.

This is made possible by the SM group’s integrated property development approach reinforcing its commitment to support Clark's growth as a prime destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). Once completed, it is set to become one of the largest SMX venues.

“Through the combined efforts of SM’s business units such as Park Inn by Radisson Clark, SMX Convention Center, and SM City Clark, we help support the vision to transform Clark into a thriving hub for MICE activities,” said Mr. Eduardo Miguel Morato, Cluster Senior Branch Manager for SMX Clark.

“In addition to driving growth for MICE in the region, it also generates livelihood opportunities within the community and spurs local tourism activities,” he added.

The MICE industry in Central Luzon’s Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone continues to flourish, as the SM group’s presence in Clark creates a seamless experience for MICE participants. With SMX’s proximity to the Clark International Airport—a 20-minute drive via Manual Roxas Highway, travelers, whether leisure or business, professionals could easily access SM’s one-stop hub for world events, accommodations, and modern retail services.

The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) noted that SM’s influence on Clark’s tourism industry is reflected in the total number of tourist arrivals in the Clark Freeport Zone, particularly in measuring same-day guests.

From January to June 2024, there were a total of 16.3 million tourists who visited Clark categorized as overnight arrivals, same-day guests, and airport arrivals. Same-day guests were recorded at 14,586,705 from 740,783 same-day guests in the same period last year, marking a 1,869% increase.

Synergy plays a significant role in supporting this growth, with Park Inn by Radisson Clark offering over 200 rooms and plans for expansion already in progress. In anticipation of this potential growth, the hotel taps into local talent, seeking individuals who truly understand the community. This is reflective of Park Inn’s staff members, 80% of whom are locally hired from Pampanga.

The promotion of Clark as a go-to MICE destination is evident with 115 events held in the area over the past year. These include 36 running events, 13 biking, duathlon, and triathlon events, 9 spectator shows, 7 festivals, and 50 other activities.

This year, SMX Clark was the venue for the prestigious MICECON 2024 last July that brought together leaders, stakeholders, and experts to discuss the future of the MICE industry in the Philippines.

“This journey isn’t just about infrastructure,” said Mr. Morato. “It is also about building a thriving community where business, tourism, and local talent come together in providing world-class facilities and services that meet the evolving needs of our clients and partners.”

SMX Convention Center currently operates eight branches nationwide, namely SMX Manila, Megatrade Hall, SMX Aura, SMX Clark, SMX Olongapo, SMX Bacolod, Sky Hall Seaside Cebu, and SMX Davao. In the coming years, SMX is also set to open the SMX Convention Center Cebu in South Road Properties, Cebu City, by the fourth quarter of 2026. This new facility will boast a gross floor area of 40,879.40 square meters and a gross leasable area of 24,212.74 square meters.

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About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com

TPB Celebrates Back-to-Back Successes at IT&CMA 2023 in Bangkok

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The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines announces its triumphant participation in the Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) 2023, held from September 24 to 29 in Bangkok, Thailand. This event is renowned as one of the most influential MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) trade shows in the Asia-Pacific region, providing a vibrant platform for industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and explore promising opportunities.

With robust participation, securing valuable partnerships, and generating substantial interest in the Philippines as a prime destination for MICE events, the Philippine delegation's success was underscored by partial reported sales leads secured with high-potential MICE events valued at US$2,585,097.24 (PhP144,765,445.44). These accomplishments stand as a testament to the Philippines' growing appeal in the global MICE market.

"We are thrilled with the outcome of our participation in IT&CMA 2023. The overwhelming interest shown by international stakeholders reaffirms the Philippines' position as a top choice for MICE events. We are committed to nurturing these partnerships and further enhancing our offerings to meet the evolving needs of the MICE industry," said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

TPB was also awarded the “Best National Tourism Organization” by the readers of TTG Asia Media—a leading publisher and organizer of events in travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region. The awarding ceremony was held on the last day of IT&CMA 2023, during the TTG Travel Awards Gala Dinner on September 28.

Having been an active participant in IT&CMA since 2013, the TPB's presence at this prestigious event has consistently reinforced the Philippines' stature as a premier MICE destination. This year's showcase was marked by the Philippines' expanded booth, covering an impressive 150 sqm. and accommodating 24 exhibitors comprised of tour operators, hotel/resort properties, an events management company, and an airline company, passionately promoting the country's diverse offerings and seamless event planning services.

Joining the TPB at this year's IT&CMA were the following tourism partners: Baron Travel Corporation, Divaishnavi International Inc., GI Philippines Corp., Laging Balani Travel Services, Lifestyle Luxury Travel Corporation, Mooncake Educational Travel and Tours, Uni-Orient Travel, Inc., AJ Coffee and Bed / Kaulayaw Corporation, Crimson Resort and Spa, Boracay, Dusit Thani Manila, Fili Hotel Cebu, Grand Hyatt Manila, Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark Mactan, Cebu, Marriott Hotel Manila, Novotel Manila Araneta City, Okada Manila, Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu, Seda Hotels, White Breeze Palawan Hotel, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, The Lind Boracay, Philippine Airlines, and Total Exhibit and Expo Solutions, Inc.