CEBU CITY – Big things are coming to Cebu in 2026, but the big question is: Is it ready?
The Philippines will be the leader of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) next year, and part of that responsibility includes hosting big events. One of the most important is the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) — and Cebu is in the spotlight! 🌍✈️
🏛️ What’s the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF)?
It’s a huge international event where leaders and tourism experts from all over Southeast Asia (like Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and more!) come together to:
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Discuss tourism plans
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Share ideas
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Show off their countries’ beautiful spots
One of the main meetings is called the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, and it’s going to happen in Cebu in January 2026.
🏗️ What’s the Mactan Expo Center?
It’s a new PHP 1.5-billion event venue being built in Lapu-Lapu City by Megaworld, a big real estate company. It’s called the Mactan Expo Center, and it’s expected to be finished by December 2025—just one month before the event!
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It can hold up to 2,600 people
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It will be one of the largest venues in Cebu
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It’s hoped to become a top choice for major conferences and global meetings
But here’s the twist: Will it be ready in time?
👀 Who’s Watching?
Even First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos came all the way to Cebu to personally check if hotels and venues are good enough for the ASEAN visitors!
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said they are confident in the project, especially with Megaworld building it.
“We’re confident the Mactan Expo Center will be a top pick for the ASEAN event,” Frasco said.
🏨 Why Is This Important for Cebu?
Cebu is already known as a great place for:
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Meetings
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Incentive trips
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Conventions
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Exhibitions
These are all part of something called MICE tourism, which means big business and tourism events. The more of these events Cebu hosts, the more money and jobs it brings to the island.
The Mactan Expo Center will join other big venues like:
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NUSTAR Convention Center
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IC3 Convention Center in Cebu City
🔁 What Else Will Happen at the ATF?
Aside from meetings, there will also be a travel exchange—this is where:
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Sellers (like hotel owners or tour guides) meet
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Buyers (like travel agents or organizers)
And they talk about travel packages in ASEAN countries!
This could bring more tourists and business to Cebu long after the event ends.
💬 What’s the Government Doing Now?
The Department of Tourism is:
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Working with Cebu’s local leaders
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Talking to hotels, tour groups, and other stakeholders
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Making sure everything is organized and ready
Because if this goes well, Cebu might host more international events in the future!
⚠️ But the Big Question Remains…
Can the Mactan Expo Center really be finished before January 2026?
If not, will Cebu have a backup plan?
All eyes are now on Cebu as it races against time to prove it’s ready for the big ASEAN stage.
