The Philippines’ role as 2026 chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is creating opportunities for Manila to attract more international meetings and conferences, as event organizers increasingly seek destinations that combine business facilities, competitive costs and authentic local experiences, according to Hilton.
Sebastien Kaeuffer, vice president for commercial operations, APACx at Hilton, said the country’s growing role in regional cooperation, alongside investments in infrastructure and workforce development, is strengthening its position as an emerging destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).
“The Philippines has been steadily strengthening its position as an emerging MICE destination in Asia, backed by investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and destination capabilities,” Kaeuffer said in an email interview with The Sunday Times Magazine.