Solidifying its efforts to position the country as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (M.I.C.E), the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines headed to Bangkok last September 24 and hosted a luncheon for select delegates of the Incentive Travel and Conventions, Meetings (IT&CM) Asia, the leading international M.I.C.E event centered in the Asia-Pacific region
Led by Chief Operating Officer of TPB, Maria Margarita Monteymayor Nograles, the TPB showcased its initiatives and drive to shape the future of the M.I.C.E industry to global stakeholders. Bannered by "M.I.C.E Philippines: We Take Your Business to Heart," Nograles said, "We will establish the Philippines as a premier M.I.C.E destination known for its world-class experiences, top notch facilities, and unparalleled hospitality."
On top of the hosted luncheon, the TPB, together with 21 exhibitors from the Philippines, also held business-to-business sessions with M.I.C.E. practitioners from all over the world between September 24 and 26, 2024, which generated over P 1.8 billion sales leads.
This year's IT&CMA also witnessed the largest-ever Philippine delegation, further reinforcing the country's robust position as a premier M.I.C.E. destination.
Today, the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing and trade-oriented economies in Asia. It is quickly becoming a well-established center of commerce with a highly skilled and English-speaking workforce. The country offers an abundance of world-class facilities that can accommodate groups of all sizes. In Manila alone, visiting delegates can find eight major venues for conferences or events, including Asia's first convention center, the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
Aside from a multitude of networking opportunities, strong government and private sector partnership and support also elevate the M.I.C.E experience in the Philippines. And with its world-renowned Filipino brand of service excellence, visiting delegates will experience first-hand the Filipinos' warmth, care, and welcoming nature.
The country offers countless activities for pre- and post-meetings, ensuring that delegates are able to seamlessly blend business and leisure. The Philippines boasts nine World Heritage-listed sites such as the breathtaking Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras and the historic city of Vigan. From exciting cities with vibrant shopping malls to tranquil and serene beaches, delegates will surely experience an adventure like no other.
The TPB-Hosted Luncheon at the IT&CMA
The IT&CMA was held at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, and offered both regional and international industry suppliers and buyers the opportunity to engage in business, education, and networking. Moreover, it had the largest exhibition showcase of Asia-Pacific M.I.C.E. suppliers.
The luncheon was hosted by Franco Laurel, an award-winning actor and singer from the Philippines, while Nograles gave her opening remarks to kickstart the program and share insights on M.I.C.E. Travel in the Philippines.
Attendees were able to get a glimpse of the vibrant and rich culture of the country through its cuisine. They were served with traditional Filipino dishes such as Beef Kare Kare and Halo-halo. In addition to the flavorful dishes, attendees enjoyed a dynamic performance from the Filipino contemporary pop a capella group, Astrafellas.
The venue itself was studded with Philippine elements such as woven fabrics originating from different regions in the Philippines, all aimed to give attendees a full and immersive experience of the Philippines, where the country takes their business to heart.
The IT&CMA luncheon was a promising key platform to facilitate meaningful connections and strengthen global partnerships, highlighting the Philippines' commitment to promoting the country as the premier destination for M.I.C.E events. Furthermore, it served as a testament to the Philippines' readiness to host future global gatherings with excellence.