Cebu — The city's standing as a premier international hub for business events took center stage as key industry leaders gathered at the Cebu Business Month 2026 MICE Tourism Summit held at The Glass Pavilion in Mactan Newtown Beach. Organized to explore strategies for long-term regional growth, the summit brought together representatives from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the Department of Tourism (DOT), local government units, and airline partners. During the high-level discussions, executives from Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports underscored how enhanced air links, public-private synergy, and innovative destination development continue to bolster Cebu's competitive edge in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
Fostering Strong Public-Private Collaboration for Regional Growth
Addressing attendees during the panel discussions, Rafael Aboitiz, Head of Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports and Chairman of PCCI–Lapu-Lapu City, emphasized that collaborative governance is fundamental to sustaining investor and visitor confidence. When government agencies, chambers of commerce, and private enterprises align their visions, they create a robust ecosystem where infrastructure improvements and tourist experiences mutually reinforce one another. This unified approach ensures that Cebu remains exceptionally attractive to international convention organizers and corporate travelers seeking world-class venues and hospitality.
Leveraging Seamless Air Connectivity and Innovative Passenger Services
As the operator of the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA)—the country's premier gateway outside Metro Manila—Aboitiz InfraCapital has transformed the facility far beyond a conventional transport hub. Through initiatives like CEB Connects, arriving delegates benefit from streamlined transfer times, including 35-minute windows for domestic connections and 60-minute turnarounds for international-to-domestic journeys. Furthermore, expanded programs such as CEB+ for air-to-sea links and CEBEx for air-to-land travel make it exceptionally convenient for business travelers to seamlessly extend their trips into leisure getaways across the Visayas and Mindanao.
Driving Long-Term Economic Prosperity Across the Visayas
The continuous expansion of domestic and international route networks at MCIA directly drives economic vitality throughout the region by fueling hospitality, retail, and tourism sectors. Industry experts at the summit stressed that maintaining this collaborative momentum and upgrade initiatives is essential for welcoming larger global delegations in the years ahead. By combining cutting-edge airport infrastructure with authentic Filipino warmth and dynamic corporate venues, Cebu is firmly securing its legacy as Southeast Asia's thriving nexus for business and leisure tourism.
