World-class business facilities, a globally oriented business population, and a hospitable business atmosphere all make the Philippines a premier M.I.C.E. destination in Asia. Renowned creativity and a rich heritage further deem it the perfect setting for incentive travel. Take your pick from Manila, Cebu, Baguio, Davao, Bohol, Boracay, Palawan, Vigan, and a host of other excellent business and incentive travel destinations spread out in all of more than 7,100 islands of the Philippines.

Meetings Make Manila

The City of Manila has been playing host to global visitors for centuries now. As a port on the epic Galleon Trade, it was key in facilitating international trade between the Americas, Europe, Arabia, China, India, and the Malay archipelago. Today it is the political, economic, social, educational, cultural, and recreational hub of the Philippines – offering just the right mix of conveniences, attractions, and attitude for every M.I.C.E. endeavor.

The campaign dubbed as “Meetings Make Manila” is a concerted effort by select group venue owners, hotels, tourist transport operators, Philippine Airlines, and other private and public sector entities, all coordinated by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Convention & Visitors Corporation (PCVC). It seeks to promote Manila as an ideal M.I.C.E. destination, with added motivation through such programs as the MMM Incentive Package encouraging parties to actively bid for international events to be held in Manila 2000 and beyond.

Solid Support System

Both the DOT and PCVC are available to assist business and incentive travelers in the Philippines in every way. The PCVC is a non-stock, non-profit government corporation attached to the DOT, tasked with promoting the country as an ideal tourism, M.I.C.E., and incentive travel destination. Its Conventions and Incentive Travel Unit (CIT), in particular, provides comprehensive information, technical assistance, and guidance to meeting planners, incentive travel and special event organizers who seek an ideal venue for their events and exhibitions.

In addition, the PCVC offers its experience and expertise through this wide range of services, all of which are free: Bid Preparation, Incentive Program Planning, Liaison Services, Site Inspection, Attendance Promotion, and Promotional Material Support.

The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) is Asia's first international convention center, officially opened to the world in September, 1976. It is the largest convention site in Metro Manila, boasting a 4,000-capacity, multi-level plenary hall, 14 meeting rooms, and even a press center. There are at least eight other major convention sites in the metropolis, including the World Trade Center and Megatrade Hall, complemented by a variety of de luxe and first class hotels situated strategically within and nearby the business and commercial districts. Add to these over 10 other major convention sites that are found outside of Metro Manila.

For more detailed M.I.C.E. information, including the events calendar as well as business and incentive travel packages, visit http://www.dotpcvc.gov.ph/MICE/mice.html.