PAGCOR Calls for MICE Expansion to Drive Philippine Tourism and Integrated Resort Growth

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco has identified the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions sector as a largely untapped opportunity for the Philippines and its integrated resorts.

Tengco made the remarks in an interview with Inside Asian Gaming at the G2E trade show in Las Vegas. He pointed to the scale of the MICE industry in Las Vegas and its contribution to that city’s growth over the past two decades as a model the Philippines should follow.

“The clear advantage that I want to see replicated in the Philippines is the MICE segment,” Tengco explained. He highlighted the country’s tourism spots together with the warmth of Filipino hospitality as assets that could attract MICE organizers worldwide.

Tengco saw no barrier to securing events for integrated resorts in Manila, Clark and Cebu once the Philippines captures even a portion of the MICE market.

Extending MICE Development Beyond Integrated Resorts

Tengco noted that growth in MICE capabilities should not remain limited to integrated resorts. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has previously called for expanded development outside Manila.

At the inauguration of the Mactan EXPO Center in Cebu, Marcos said the launch strengthened tourism in Cebu. He added that more facilities and stronger infrastructure are needed to support tourism.

Tengco described the resulting effect as multiplicative. Additional MICE events bring more tourists and foreign currency income, which then supports ancillary businesses including the hotel and restaurant industries.

The government is examining regional convention centers. The objective is to position Manila and other major cities to host international MICE events.

Reporting: Inside Asian Gaming

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