Discover Top MICE Destinations in the Philippines: A New Tourism Frontier
With its young, vibrant, and awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Philippines offers an array of exciting locations to host events, from the captivating Boracay Island to the cosmopolitan Metro Manila. The country is constantly upgrading its MICE facilities, and there is a high-quality range of hotels that offer excellent service at great value. We invite you to explore our top MICE destinations and discover why it's more fun in the Philippines.
Manila
Metro Manila is an exciting, colorful and complex metropolis made up of 16 cities and one municipality. It is the political, economic, social, cultural and recreational hub of the Philippines.
Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a bustling city that offers a mix of cultural heritage, modern entertainment, and urban attractions. The city has a rich history that is reflected in its Spanish colonial architecture and landmarks like the Intramuros, a walled city within Manila that was built during the Spanish colonial period.
For tourists, Manila offers a range of experiences, from exploring its historical sites and museums to enjoying its vibrant nightlife and entertainment. The city has a variety of shopping options, including the massive Mall of Asia, and a vibrant food scene that showcases Filipino cuisine.
For MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events, Manila offers a range of modern venues and accommodations that can cater to different group sizes and event types. The city has several convention centers and hotels that offer top-notch amenities and state-of-the-art conference facilities, including the Philippine International Convention Center and the SMX Convention Center.
Manila’s central location also makes it a convenient base for exploring other parts of the country, with many tourist destinations like Tagaytay, Batangas, and Laguna easily accessible from the city. With its mix of historical charm and modern infrastructure, Manila is a dynamic destination that offers both tourists and MICE travelers an exciting experience.
Experience Manila
Visit Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and Casa Manila in the ancient walled city of Intramuros.
Stroll along Roxas Boulevard and catch the famous Manila Bay sunset.
Visit the National Museum to see Juan Luna’s monumental painting, “Spoliarium,” a national treasure.
Catch a ride in a jeepney to experience flamboyant folk art on wheels.
Go bar hopping in Malate, Ayala Center, Rockwell, or Bonifacio Global City.
Shop till you drop in the mega malls of Makati, Ortigas, and Quezon City.
Take a calesa (horse-drawn carriage) tour of Binondo, Manila Chinatown.
Take a day trip to scenic Tagaytay or Pagsanjan Falls, or to historic Corregidor Island or Villa Escudero.
Getting there
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila is the premier gateway. It is served by more than 30 airlines which fly to and from different cities around the world.
Cebu
With its pristine beaches, crystalline waters and affordable luxury resorts, the island province of Cebu is the traveler’s fantasy of a tropical paradise come true.
Cebu is a province in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, known for its historical and cultural significance, pristine beaches, and world-class diving spots. The province is home to the iconic Magellan’s Cross, a significant historical landmark that marks the arrival of the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the Philippines in 1521. Visitors can also explore the Fort San Pedro, a military defense structure built in the 17th century and a well-preserved example of Spanish colonial architecture.
Cebu’s beaches are also a major draw for tourists, with popular spots like Mactan Island, Bantayan Island, and Malapascua Island offering crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and a variety of water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and island hopping. Mactan Island, in particular, boats world-class beach resorts that are suitable for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events. These resorts offer top-notch amenities, conference facilities, and breathtaking ocean views, making it an ideal destination for corporate events and meetings.
For MICE events, Cebu also offers several venues and accommodations that can cater to different group sizes and event types. The province has convention centers and hotels with modern facilities that can accommodate up to 3,000 participants, making it a suitable destination for large-scale corporate events and conferences. There are also unique event spaces like the Temple of Leah, a Roman-inspired temple that offers a grand and stylish venue for business gatherings.
Cebu’s diverse range of attractions, friendly locals, and delicious cuisine make it a compelling destination for both tourists and MICE travelers. With its combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities, Cebu is a world-class destination that offers something for everyone.
Experience Cebu
See Magellan’s Cross, planted in 1521 by the famous explorer. Explore Fort San Pedro, the nucleus of Spanish settlement in the Philippines. Visit Casa Gorordo Museum and discover how the genteel Filipinos lived. Light incense and have your fortune told at the Taoist Temple.
Go scuba diving in the coral islands of Mactan, Moalboal, Pescador and Badian, or swim with whale sharks in Oslob.
Pick up a guitar, ukulele, or mandolin made by craftsmen in Mactan.
Go bar hopping in Mango Avenue, the main hub of Cebu’s nightlife scene, with many popular bars and clubs located in this area.
Shop till you drop in the mega malls of Ayala Center, SM Seaside and IT Park.
Getting there
Cebu’s International Airport services daily flights from Asia’s key cities. It is an hour’s flight from Manila and easily accessible from domestic destinations by land, air and sea.
Boracay
The tiny island of Boracay is known as one of the best beach destinations in the world, and for good reason. With dazzling beaches lined with palm trees, splendid sunshine, and warm crystalline waters, it's the quintessential island paradise. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from water sports to island hopping to beach parties. And when the sun sets, Boracay comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene, with beach bars, clubs, and restaurants offering everything from live music to fire dancing to world-class cuisine. It's the perfect place to get marooned and forget about the rest of the world for a while.
Boracay is a world-renowned tropical destination located in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can enjoy a range of water activities like island hopping, parasailing, and snorkeling. The island also boasts several bars, restaurants, and nightclubs that offer a lively atmosphere and a diverse selection of cuisine and entertainment options.
For MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events, Boracay offers several venues and accommodations that can cater to different group sizes and event types. The island has convention centers and hotels that can accommodate up to 1,500 participants, making it a suitable destination for large-scale corporate events and conferences. There are also unique event spaces like the rooftop deck of the Shangri-La Resort, offering stunning views of the beach and a stylish venue for business gatherings.
Experience Boracay
Swim, sunbathe, and sip cocktails while soaking up the breathtaking scenery.
Explore the beaches and neighboring islands of Boracay, including Puka Beach and Crystal Cove Island.
Get an adrenaline rush by jumping off the rocky cliffs into the ocean at Ariel’s Point.
Ride the waves and soar through the air while kiteboarding in Boracay’s windy season.
Start your day with a yoga session on the beach, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Boracay.
Getting there
Kalibo or Caticlan is less than an hour’s flight from Manila. From Kalibo, Boracay is 90 minutes away by bus and a short boat trip; from Caticlan it is 20 minutes by boat.
Palawan
A Narrow Archipelago of more than 1,780 islands and islets, Palawan is the undisputed final frontier of the Philippines. There’s plenty to do in this extraordinary group of islands, but the main activity is simply admiring nature’s handwork.
Palawan is a breathtaking tropical destination in the western Philippines, offering an idyllic escape with crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and stunning limestone cliffs. Visitors can explore the world-famous underground river in Puerto Princesa, island hop around the Bacuit Archipelago in El Nido, or simply relax at exclusive island resorts in Coron Bay.
For MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events, Palawan offers boutique venues and accommodations in exclusive locations, catering to smaller groups seeking a more intimate experience. The island has several upscale resorts with conference facilities and modern amenities that can accommodate up to 150 participants, making it an ideal destination for corporate retreats and small conferences.
Palawan’s natural beauty is a significant draw for MICE events, with its stunning island resorts providing a picturesque setting for business gatherings. The island’s diverse range of activities, friendly locals, and delicious cuisine make it a compelling destination for both tourists and MICE travelers.
Experience Palawan
Explore the stunning Bacuit Archipelago by hopping from one island to another, and experience the crystal-clear waters and stunning limestone cliffs.
Paddle through the serene waters of the Big Lagoon in El Nido, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery.
Discover the rich marine life of Coron by snorkeling around the coral reefs and shipwrecks.
Experience the natural wonder of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the world’s longest navigable underground rivers.
Getting there
The Puerto Princesa airport is served by all domestic airlines and is just a few minutes from the city. There are daily flights from Manila
Bohol
Bohol is one of the most beautiful island provinces in the Philippines, yet it is relatively undiscovered by the tourist crowd. Nature has blessed the island with a lush landscape of verdant hills, waterfalls, serene rivers, mangrove forests, undisturbed wildlife, luminous white sand beaches and picturesque islets.
Bohol, located in the central Visayas region of the Philippines, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The island is home to the iconic Chocolate Hills, a series of unique geological formations, and the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, where visitors can see the world’s smallest primate up close. The island’s beaches are pristine, with Alona Beach being a favorite spot for sunbathing and watersports like snorkeling and scuba diving.
For MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events, Bohol offers a variety of venues and accommodations that can cater to different group sizes and event types. The island has several resorts with conference facilities that can accommodate up to 300 participants, making it a suitable destination for corporate events and meetings. There are also unique event spaces like the beachfront dining venues at Panglao Island’s top-rated resorts, which provide a beautiful and tranquil setting for business gatherings.
Bohol’s cultural richness is also a significant draw for MICE events, with its Spanish-era watchtowers and historic sites providing unique backdrops for product launches and corporate events. The island’s diverse range of activities, friendly locals, and delicious cuisine make it a compelling destination for both tourists and MICE travelers alike.
Experience Bohol
Take an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) ride through the iconic Chocolate Hills, a geological formation of over 1,200 hills that resemble chocolate drops, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Visit Pamilacan Island, a growing eco-tourism destination, for a chance to see dolphins, whales, and other marine life in their natural habitat, while also enjoying superb diving sites.
Visit the Tarsier Conservation Area in Bohol and see the world’s smallest primate up close, with a chance to observe these nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat.
Explore the vibrant coral gardens and tropical marine life in Bohol’s crystal clear waters, which are considered some of Asia’s finest diving spots.
Get a thrilling experience by ziplining or taking an open-air cable ride at the Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park.
Take a relaxing boat ride along the Loboc River and enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch while listening to live music and admiring the beautiful scenery along the riverbanks.
Getting there
The Puerto Princesa airport is served by all domestic airlines and is just a few minutes from the city. There are daily flights from Manila
Vigan and Banaue
These northern provinces are a treasure trove of cultural and natural attractions that showcase the unique character of the Philippines, making them an ideal destination for those seeking a memorable and enriching experience.
Banaue and Vigan are two destinations in the northern region of the Philippines that offer a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Banaue is known for its picturesque rice terraces, which have been carved into the mountainside by the Ifugao people. Tourists can visit the rice terraces and learn about the traditional farming practices that have been passed down for generations. The area also offers hiking trails and waterfalls for outdoor enthusiasts. For MICE events, Banaue offers unique event spaces that showcase the local culture, including traditional Ifugao huts and open-air venues that can accommodate small to medium-sized groups.
Vigan is a well-preserved Spanish colonial town that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Tourists can explore the historic streets and buildings, including the iconic Calle Crisologo, which features traditional Spanish-style houses and cobblestone streets. The town also has a range of museums and cultural attractions that showcase the local history and traditions. For MICE events, Vigan offers a range of venues, including heritage homes that have been converted into event spaces and modern conference centers.
Both Banaue and Vigan offer unique experiences that highlight the Philippines’ cultural and natural diversity. With their mix of historical charm and modern amenities, these destinations are becoming increasingly popular for both tourists and MICE travelers.
Experience Banaue and Vigan
Visit the Banaue Rice Terraces and learn about the traditional farming practices of the Ifugao people.
Take a walking tour of Vigan’s historic streets and marvel at the well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture.
Getting there
The nearest airport to Vigan is the Laoag International Airport (LAO), located approximately 80 kilometers away. The travel time from Vigan to Banaue is around 4-5 hours.
Davao
Davao’s expansive landscape is one of the most picturesque in the Philippines. Exotic fruit plantations and orchid farms cover volcano-fed hills and valleys. Virgin forests nurture rare wildlife. Coral islands lie on mirror-flat water, and Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak, magnificently lords over the hinterland.
Davao, located in the southern part of the Philippines, is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse attractions. The city boasts of several outdoor destinations such as the Philippine Eagle Center, Eden Nature Park, and the beautiful Samal Island with its pristine beaches and diving spots. It is also home to the iconic Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, which offers a challenging yet rewarding climb for adventurers.
For MICE events, Davao offers a range of venues and accommodations that can cater to different group sizes and event types. The city has several hotels and convention centers equipped with modern facilities, making it a suitable destination for corporate events and meetings.
Experience Davao
Visit the Philippine Eagle Center and see the country’s national bird up close in its natural habitat.
Explore the colorful and bustling Davao Night Market, which offers a variety of local delicacies, souvenirs, and entertainment.
Take a thrilling zipline ride at the Eden Nature Park, which offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings.
Relax and unwind at the beautiful beaches of Samal Island, which offer pristine waters and world-class diving spots.
Getting there
Domestic carriers run regularly daily flight from Manila to Davao (one hour and 35 minutes).