News

WTCMM showcases Filipino events suppliers

September 30, 2024 - World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM), the Philippines' premier venue for international trade shows, exhibitions, and events, recently held "FUSIONS OF THE WORLD: Palate & Precision in the Modern World," another flagship event highlighting the excellence of WTCMM's accredited partner vendors, including top-tier caterers, booth contractors, freight forwarders, and audio, video, and lighting (AVL) providers. “Fusions of the World highlights the talents and capabilities of our partners in the local MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry,” said WTCMM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Pamela D. Pascual. Attended by WTCMM’s clients, trade associations, WTC Club members, and key industry stakeholders, the event offered a firsthand experience of the high-caliber services available at WTCMM. It also provided a platform for suppliers to network with potential clients, showcasing their ability to deliver world-class event solutions. For clients, it was an opportunity to engage with suppliers that could enhance the success of their future events. Some of the country’s top caterers were featured, each tasked with preparing their signature dishes in an Enchanted Space-themed setting. The lineup included Alba, Albergus, Aristocrat, Bizu, The Creamery Event Shaker, Hizon’s, Ilustrado, Josiah’s, Juan Carlo, Kitchen City, Le Chef, and Tjioe. Additionally, the event showcased booth contractors like Centrex, Cityneon, ES Connection, Ideal Works, and MSD Godspeed, along with freight forwarders All Transport Network, CEI Cargo, DSV Global Transport, and Pak-Prime Logistics. Pascual emphasized that the event reflects WTCMM's commitment to providing exceptional service and comprehensive support for all hosted events in the venue. “The professionalism, expertise, and creativity exhibited by our local suppliers underscores why the Philippines remains an ideal destination for international MICE events,” she added. Read More

Benefits of Attending Trade Shows in the Phils.

September 30, 2024 - The Philippines’ dynamic business market is brimming with opportunities and challenges in equal measure. When new competitors emerge constantly, and trends shift rapidly, making your brand stand out can feel like a constant uphill battle. Participating in trade shows can be a valuable strategy for businesses seeking growth. These events extend beyond simply displaying products, they provide a powerful platform to showcase your offerings while unlocking a range of opportunities that can propel business development. This article explores the potential benefits of attending business trade shows in the Philippines. We’ll also provide practical tips to help you maximize your participation and achieve successful outcomes. Generate Valuable Leads Many business events especially trade shows attract a concentrated audience of potential customers actively seeking solutions within your industry. This targeted environment offers a prime opportunity to showcase your products and services directly to highly relevant attendees. By doing so, you can significantly increase brand awareness and recognition in a single event. To maximize lead generation, utilize your booth to showcase your offerings in a compelling way. Distribute informational materials and design engaging displays that include interactive activities, product demonstrations, or even promotional offers. Remember, lead generation doesn’t end after the show. Promptly follow up with all captured leads. Express your appreciation for their interest, address any lingering questions, and provide additional information about your offerings. This proactive approach keeps your brand top-of-mind and fosters valuable relationships that can lead to future sales. Boost Brand Awareness This type of large-scale event does not only offer direct exposure to potential customers but also the potential for broader reach. Media attention here can translate to coverage in industry publications, online platforms, or even local news outlets, expanding your brand awareness beyond attendees. Furthermore, successful interactions at your booth can spark positive word-of-mouth marketing. Impressed attendees are more likely to share their experiences with others, organically increasing your brand recognition. To further amplify this effect, don’t just man your booth. Actively network with attendees, industry professionals, and potential partners. Participate in industry discussions, explore other booths, and build relationships that can significantly expand your brand’s reach within the market. Stay Ahead of the Curve When you attend trade shows, you can also foster valuable knowledge exchange within your industry. You can connect with professionals, potential partners, and suppliers to gain insights from their experiences and perspectives. These events also function as a vibrant showcase for the newest products, services, and technologies within your specific niche. Observe what your competitors and industry leaders are offering to allow you to identify potential threats and opportunities that may impact your business. By understanding what’s new and trending, you can adjust your business strategies to stay competitive and relevant. This might involve developing new products, adapting existing services, or exploring untapped market segments. Gain Valuable Market Research Trade shows provide an invaluable platform to gather first-hand customer insights. Engage with attendees at your booth, listen to their questions and concerns, and understand their needs and preferences. This direct feedback loop allows you to refine your product offerings and tailor your marketing strategies for better customer alignment. Beyond direct feedback, trade shows also offer opportunities to observe customer behavior and gauge market interest in your products and services. The number of inquiries you receive, the time visitors spend at your booth, and the types of questions they ask all paint a valuable picture of market demand. Furthermore, attending this event allows you to stay ahead of the curve by gaining insights into emerging technologies, changing customer preferences, and evolving market dynamics. Seminars, workshops, and product demonstrations offered at these events provide valuable information to help you adapt your business strategies and offerings to a dynamic marketplace. Expand Your Network Leading figures, key decision-makers, and influential people gather at these events, presenting a unique opportunity to interact with them directly. Discussions about your business, potential deals, and mutually beneficial partnerships can blossom from these connections, propelling your company forward. Many trade shows go beyond product displays, offering a wealth of networking opportunities. Receptions and seminars can provide a casual setting to connect with industry peers. This allows you to exchange ideas, explore potential collaborations, and build a strong network within your industry. A robust network can unlock valuable referrals and open doors to future opportunities. Approach booth personnel you’d like to connect with, attend industry forums, and participate in networking events. Prepare a concise introduction and a clear value proposition to showcase your potential as a collaborator. This proactive approach will maximize your chances of forging valuable connections that can significantly benefit your company. Key Takeaway Business trade shows in the Philippines offer a powerful platform to propel you forward. By attending these events, you gain access to a wealth of opportunities. Investing your time and resources with this can be a game-changer for your business. Looking to elevate your next trade show and connect with a thriving market? World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) offers state-of-the-art facilities, strategic location, and commitment to excellence to provide the perfect platform to showcase your brand and achieve remarkable results. Contact us today and let us turn your event’s vision into a resounding success. Read More

EVOxCharge to launch EV Charging Station at WTCMM

August 30, 2024 - WTC Metro Manila is proud to announce a strategic partnership with EVOxCharge to introduce a new electric vehicle (EV) charging station at the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM), the premier venue for international trade shows, exhibitions, and events in the Philippines. WTCMM's decision to collaborate with EVOxCharge underscores its dedication to supporting green transportation solutions. The charging station will be open to the public, ensuring all EV owners benefit from this cutting-edge facility. “This initiative reflects a commitment to promoting sustainable practices and providing enhanced amenities to our visitors,” said WTCMM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Pamela D. Pascual. “It also aligns with the broader goal of fostering sustainability within our operations and contributing to the growing EV infrastructure in the Philippines.” As part of a five-year agreement, MEC will provide designated EV parking slots at WTCMM, offering convenient access for electric vehicle owners. The charging station, supplied, delivered, and installed by EVOxCharge, will feature a 7kW double output EV charger, equipped with real-time monitoring and remote access capabilities through EVOxCharge’s advanced web backend platform. The EV charging stations will offer a seamless experience for EV users through the EVOxCharge mobile application, which facilitates easy digital payments and usage monitoring. MEC will maintain oversight of the station’s usage through access to EVOxCharge’s dashboard, ensuring that the facility meets the needs of its users. Read More

PH Trade Exhibitions to boost Trade Investments

August 30, 2024 - The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) underscored the significance of business activities such as meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) in reinforcing collaborations to boost regional trade and cross-border investments. WTCA vice president for Asia Pacific Scott Wang underscored the organization’s close relations with members and partners such as the Philippines during a visit to the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City. “Serving as the local business hub that is linked to the WTCA global network, individual WTC operations provide companies around the world with the expertise and connections that are critical for market penetration. The WTC teams also work diligently to match the needs of companies with the best service providers in their respective local marketplaces,” Wang said. He said WTCA aims to strengthen international cooperation and generate investment opportunities by leveraging its global network and leading trade services. Wang cited as example the recently concluded 54th annual WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF) in Bengaluru, India. The event brought together local business leaders, WTCA members, international B2B delegates and attendees from 36 countries to explore regional business opportunities and forge new global connections. WTCMM chairperson and chief executive Pamela Pascual said MICE stimulates the flow of local products, attracting foreign investments and generating local employment through major trade shows, exhibitions, and networking events. “We continually host major industry events at WTCMM. Through partnerships with other WTCs across Asia and beyond, local businesses successfully connect with foreign counterparts and international buyers. We also plan to expand to other locations within the Philippines to support WTCA’s ‘Road to 500’ initiative,” she said. A global report released in 2023 revealed that exhibitions generated a significant economic impact even before the pandemic with $82.3 billion contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP), supporting over 1.4 million direct jobs globally. The Asia Pacific region ranked third behind North America and Europe, with $17.6 billion in direct GDP and 394,000 direct jobs attributed to exhibitions. WTCMM is the Philippines’ sole exhibition center recognized by UFI as a world-class exhibition venue. Read More

GROWING THE PH AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

June 27, 2024 - Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. (center) underscored the department’s commitment to grow the agricultural sector, ensure food security, and foster sustainable economic development during the 'Up Close & Personal' networking and business forum, organized and hosted by World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM). Secretary Tiu Laurel reported that the DA is collaborating closely with the private sector to address the 27-year backlog in agricultural investment. The four-year plan involves investing in more irrigation facilities, establishing water-impounding systems, developing deep-water agricultural ports, creating a robust cold storage network, and other relevant programs. In photo With Secretary Laurel are WTCMM Chairman & CEO Pamela D. Pascual and ICCP Group Chairman Guillermo D. Luchangco. Read More

WTCA cites MICE sector in PH economic growth

May 31, 2024 - THE World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) affirmed the significance of the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry in boosting international cooperation and investment opportunities for the Philippines. WTCA Vice President in the Asia Pacific Scott Wang said that they were collaborating with members and partners in countries like the Philippines to enhance global cooperation and create investment prospects, utilizing its international network and expertise in trade services. "We see Southeast Asia as one of the priority markets for us to reach our goal of further growing our footprint and contributing to the prosperity of the region," Wang said in a statement on Tuesday. "Serving as the local business hub that is linked to the WTCA global network, individual WTC operations provide companies around the world with the expertise and connections that are critical for market penetration," he added. Wang said that they were also working to match the needs of companies with the best service providers in their respective local marketplaces. WTCA continues to collaborate with the local World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) in Pasay to promote regional trade and cross-border investments through various global events and programs. Citing the 2023 analysis of the Global Impact of Exhibitions by the Union des Foires Internationales (UFI), WTCA said that exhibitions had generated $82.3 billion in direct gross domestic product (GDP) and over 1.4 million direct jobs in 2019. The Asia-Pacific region ranked third, with $17.6 billion in direct GDP and 394,000 direct jobs. The report also showed a significant recovery across all major exhibition markets in Asia in 2023, with China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Hong Kong contributing over 80 percent of net space sold in the region. "We expect the Asia Pacific MICE industry to gain even more momentum in the next few months, with WTCMM maintaining its position among the region's leading players," said Wang. WTCMM stands as the only exhibition center in the Philippines acknowledged by UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry, for its status as a world-class venue catering to the needs of show organizers. Pamela Pascual, chairman and CEO of WTCMM and chairman of the WTCA's Asia Pacific Regional Advisory Council (RAC), also emphasized the significance of the MICE industry in initiating the circulation of domestic goods, drawing foreign investments and, in turn, generating local employment via significant trade shows and exhibitions. "We continue to host major industry events at the WTCMM, where local businesses successfully connect with their foreign counterparts and buyers from abroad through our partnerships with other WTC businesses across Asia and beyond," said Pascual. "Further, we have plans to expand in other locations within the country to support WTCA's 'Road to 500' initiative. In these cases, the benefits of the WTCA's global network in promoting international trade are optimized," she added. Read More

WTCMM urges govt support to boost trade exhibition

April 30, 2024 - The World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) is urging the national government to provide ample support to the trade exhibition industry amid rising local demand and projected global growth in 2024. In a statement, WTCMM Chairman and CEO Pamela D. Pascual said that it needs government support in allocating land to develop exhibition venues and spaces, citing growth in the market for exhibitions. Pascual noted that public and private sectors in the Philippines have "realized the urgent need to expand available exhibition spaces in order to meet demand." “The demand is even much stronger today than it was two years ago. There is currently a lineup of shows available in the market, for instance, that are waiting for spaces to open up at the World Trade Center Metro Manila,” Pascual said. With government aid, WTCMM can also help entice investors to fund the construction of "capital-intensive facilities." She emphasized the role of exhibitions in facilitating and promoting trade, which improves not only the local economy, but also global markets. “Exhibitions serve all of the vertical industries from manufacturing to construction, food and beverage, packaging, heavy equipment, agriculture, fisheries, and so on,” she added. According to the annual Trade Fair Industry in Asia report of UFI or the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry released in October 2023, key exhibition markets such as China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Hong Kong have surpassed their 2019 net space sales this year, with additional growth projected for exhibition markets in Asia in 2024. As per UFI and Oxford Economics' Global Impact of Exhibitions report, the Asia Pacific region generated $17.6 billion in direct gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019. The region ranked third after North America and Europe. This has helped support around 394,000 direct jobs in the Asia Pacific. “Through our work with UFI, we aim to sustain the growth of the exhibition industry in Asia and to further strengthen the level of professionalism, human capital, and technical expertise in order to serve a larger market,” said Pascual, who was elected to the Board of Directors of UFI to serve a three-year term from 2023 to 2026. The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) will host the 54th annual Global Business Forum (GBF) from March 3 to 6, 2024 in Bengaluru, India. It aims to gather trade center members, representatives, business, and other stakeholders to discuss further economic potential, business and trade opportunities in the Asian region in 2024. The World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) is urging the national government to provide ample support to the trade exhibition industry amid rising local demand and projected global growth in 2024. In a statement, WTCMM Chairman and CEO Pamela D. Pascual said that it needs government support in allocating land to develop exhibition venues and spaces, citing growth in the market for exhibitions. Pascual noted that public and private sectors in the Philippines have "realized the urgent need to expand available exhibition spaces in order to meet demand." “The demand is even much stronger today than it was two years ago. There is currently a lineup of shows available in the market, for instance, that are waiting for spaces to open up at the World Trade Center Metro Manila,” Pascual said. With government aid, WTCMM can also help entice investors to fund the construction of "capital-intensive facilities." She emphasized the role of exhibitions in facilitating and promoting trade, which improves not only the local economy, but also global markets. “Exhibitions serve all of the vertical industries from manufacturing to construction, food and beverage, packaging, heavy equipment, agriculture, fisheries, and so on,” she added. According to the annual Trade Fair Industry in Asia report of UFI or the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry released in October 2023, key exhibition markets such as China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Hong Kong have surpassed their 2019 net space sales this year, with additional growth projected for exhibition markets in Asia in 2024. As per UFI and Oxford Economics' Global Impact of Exhibitions report, the Asia Pacific region generated $17.6 billion in direct gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019. The region ranked third after North America and Europe. This has helped support around 394,000 direct jobs in the Asia Pacific. “Through our work with UFI, we aim to sustain the growth of the exhibition industry in Asia and to further strengthen the level of professionalism, human capital, and technical expertise in order to serve a larger market,” said Pascual, who was elected to the Board of Directors of UFI to serve a three-year term from 2023 to 2026. The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) will host the 54th annual Global Business Forum (GBF) from March 3 to 6, 2024 in Bengaluru, India. It aims to gather trade center members, representatives, business, and other stakeholders to discuss further economic potential, business and trade opportunities in the Asian region in 2024. Read More

WTCMM Manager lands Vice-Chair post in WTCA (MAC)

April 29, 2024 - The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) has announced the appointment of Ms. Irish Talay as Vice Chair of the Conference and Exhibitions (C&E) Member Advisory Council (MAC), headquartered in New York. In this esteemed role, Ms. Talay will undertake a two-year term, collaborating closely with the WTCA Member Engagement Manager and the MAC’s Chair, Ms Huynh Dinh Tahi Linh, CEO of WTC Bin Duong New City (BDNC), to spearhead impactful meetings and activities, ensuring the committee's success. Leveraging her position as the Senior Manager for Membership and Events at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, Ms. Talay serves as the key liaison officer to the WTCA and its global counterparts. Her responsibilities encompass the development of cross-collaborative initiatives, such as trade missions, B2B matching programs, events, and various trade-related promotions. In the Philippines, Ms. Talay adeptly manages the Business Club members’ requirements for B2B services, providing invaluable opportunities for their business expansion in both local and international markets. The Conferences & Exhibitions MAC plays a pivotal role in heightening awareness within the WTCA network of nearly 300 World Trade Centers across 100 countries and regions, making global business opportunities available through participation in international trade shows and exhibitions. Moreover, the MAC has significantly contributed to the WTCA Delegate Program. This program, initiated through collaboration with the Trade Services MAC in 2019, serves as a template illustrating how WTCA Members with exhibition facilities can create a robust set of VIP benefits for World Trade Centers and their delegates attending trade shows and exhibitions. The C&E MAC was inaugurated in 2018 with Ms. Pamela D. Pascual, WTCMM Chairman and CEO, as its first Chairperson. Read More

Exhibition sector to sustain growth in 2024

March 29, 2024 - FURTHER global exhibitions growth is projected in 2024 as industry stakeholders keep collaborating with local governments to build more event venues and usable spaces. According to Pamela D. Pascual, chairman and CEO of World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) and Board Member of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), exhibits gain from the global economy mainly through the immense amount of trade that they facilitate or promote. “Exhibitions serve all of the vertical industries from manufacturing to construction, food and beverage, packaging, heavy equipment, agriculture, fisheries, and so on,” said the top executive, who was recently elected to the Board of Directors of Union des Foires Internationales (UFI) for the 2023-2026 term. The global exhibitions sector is a big contributor to worldwide economic growth and cross-border trade, she said. In fact, the UFI noted in the annual report on the Trade Fair Industry in Asia it released in October of this year that all major exhibition markets in Asia, such as China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Hong Kong, which account for more than 80 percent of net space sold in the region, are all expected to match or surpass net space sold in 2023 compared to 2019 levels, and an uptrend is also seen in 2024. This is a welcome development for the regional economy, given the amount of trade receipts and spending that exhibitions can produce. UFI and Oxford Economics—in their analysis of the Global Impact of Exhibitions released last year—found that exhibitions generated $82.3 billion of direct gross domestic product (GDP) and over 1.4 million direct jobs in 2019. Of these totals, the Asia Pacific region ranked third behind North America and Europe with $17.6 billion in direct GDP, supporting 394,000 direct jobs. “The demand is even much stronger today than it was two years ago. There is currently a lineup of shows available in the market, for instance, that are waiting for spaces to open up at the World Trade Center Metro Manila,” Pascual said. She added that the exhibition market has significantly surged over the years, such that even prior to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, both the public and private sectors in countries like the Philippines realized the urgent need to expand available exhibition spaces so as to meet the demand. With this in mind, Pascual pointed out that government support is needed to allocate land where exhibition venues can be developed and to attract investors to finance the construction of capital-intensive facilities. “Through our work with UFI, we aim to sustain the growth of the exhibition industry in Asia and to further strengthen the level of professionalism, human capital, and technical expertise in order to serve a larger market,” she added. The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) will hold its 54th annual Global Business Forum (GBF) from March 3 to 6, 2024 in Bengaluru, India. This is a conclave of representatives from member World Trade Center businesses and leaders in business, government, and international organizations. Themed “EPIC: Empowering Progress through Innovation & Collaboration,” the 2024 GBF, hosted by World Trade Center Bengaluru, seeks to highlight the region’s economic potential and center on business and trade opportunities in 12 diverse industries. Read More

DTI and WTCMM promote WTCA GBF 2024 to India

February 28, 2024 - The DTI - Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) conducted an Information Session on Market Opportunities in India on 24 January 2024 at the DTI International Building, Makati City. DTI-EMB Assistant Director Jhino Ilano discussed the Philippines-India Trade Relations and showcased the region's economic potential, while WTCMM Chairman and CEO Pamela Pascual tackled the upcoming WTCA Global Business Forum/General Assembly to be held in Bengaluru India on 03 - 06 March 2024 with the theme "EPIC: Empowering Progress through Innovation & Collaboration." Read More

WTCMM wins ASEAN Tourism Standards Award 2024

January 19, 2024 - WORLD TRADE CENTER METRO MANILA (WTCMM), the pioneer of world-class exhibition venues in the Philippines, has been honored with the 2024 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) MICE Venue Award in the Exhibition Venue Category. Undisputed and best in the category since 2022, the prestigious award is presented by the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards, and marks the second consecutive triumph for WTCMM. The awards were announced by the Department of Tourism through the Office of Tourism Standards and Regulation-Standards Development Division. The ASEAN Tourism Standards Award, an initiative by the ASEAN member-states, serves to commend enterprises aligning their services with the "Quality Single Destination" standards. Specifically, this accolade acknowledges the efforts and dedication of industry leaders to the principles of sustainable tourism, with a focus on three key criteria: physical setting, technology, and service. "We are honored to once again receive this esteemed award from the ASEAN Tourism Standards,” said WTCMM Chairman and CEO, Pamela D. Pascual. “This recognition underscores our commitment to providing an excellent venue facility capable of serving large international and local exhibitions and events." Since its establishment in 1996, WTCMM has consistently garnered top ratings, affirming its exhibition halls and meeting room facilities as compliant with international standards. These standards are designed to yield positive social and environmental impacts, contributing to the overall well-being of stakeholders. WTCMM's proactive measures cover a mix of environmentally responsible practices, including the adoption of technologies such as automated LED lights, motion sensors, photocatalysts in air handling units (AHUs), and energy recovery ventilators ensuring a superior quality of air supply. The exhibition center also implements stringent waste management protocols, including the disposal of toxic and chemical substances through a DENR-accredited Treatment, Storage, Disposal (TSD) facility. Furthermore, noise pollution is effectively controlled through the management of noise levels, showcasing WTCMM's holistic commitment to excellence and sustainability. Read More

TPB, WTCMM to strengthen MICE promotions

November 8, 2023 - THE TOURISM PROMOTIONS BOARD (TPB) and World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) will be strengthening its support for the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) industry in the coming years as it considers MICE promotions as one of the pillars of tourism marketing. “I learned early on the importance of strengthening our MICE Promotions in the country,” said TPB chief operating officer Maria Margarita Nograles during the “Up Close and Personal” networking forum organized and hosted by the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM). “It (MICE) is a low-hanging fruit from which we can fast-track our recovery and increase the country’s tourism receipts. I am deeply proud and elated that President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos, Jr. also sees the value and importance of MICE as a tourism product,” added Nograles. She explained that the business meetings industry and incentive travel groups have already established itineraries that require less investment in product development or destination promotions. These are easily replicated and mostly ready for implementation. Another benefit of MICE events is the large number of arrivals they generate. With the latest data on ‘bleisure’ travel, conference attendees nowadays even bring their families along on business trips to extend it with leisure time. In addition, tourists who come from conventions and exhibitions spend three times more than the average tourist. According to Nograles, DOT data shows that an average tourist spends US$169 per day during their stay in the Philippines. Meanwhile, International Congress and Conventions Association (ICCA) data shows that convention and exhibition-related tourists spend at least US$4,553 per day on average, and AMEX data reports that incentive travel tourists spend an average of US$836 per day. The TPB is committed to expanding its MICE promotions this year and beyond to further support the industry’s growth. Among these programs are the upcoming MICE Roadshow in Korea in partnership with DOT-Korea, the development of a new Philippine MICE Brand Identity, and the 2024 MICECON that will be held on July 10-12, 2024. The TPB officer also reported that their ongoing service programs include supporting MICE bids. Some of the recent accounts where TPB helped in the bid process include the Asia Pacific Association of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology Congress held last December 2022, and the Asia Pacific Bonsai and Suiseki Convention and Exhibition held in June 2023. With the help of World Trade Center Metro Manila and other industry partners, Manila was awarded the hosting rights for the Rotary International Convention which is projected to draw some 25,000 to 30,000 persons into the country. Nograles emphasized that strong partnerships with stakeholders and friends from the industry are vital factors for the fulfillment of TPB’s aspirations in sustaining the country’s tourism industry. For WTCMM’s part, Guillermo D. Luchangco, chairman of the ICCP Group which owns and manages WTCMM said, “It is our duty to the country to ensure that tourism is one of the major pillars of growth of the Philippines.” Luchangco explained that one of the industry sectors that is projected to boom is tourism, with many natural attractions to lure tourists and the added advantage of a warm and friendly population that is English-speaking. “We at WTCMM believe that we have an important role to play in this scenario. After all, we are all about meetings, conventions, and exhibitions which are significant contributors to the number of visitors who come into the country,” he ended. Read More