SM unit sets aside P5.3B for convention center buildouts

SM group expects to open the SMXCITE convention center at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City by the first quarter of 2027.

MANILA, Philippines — The hospitality arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. is spending P5.3 billion over the next five years. It intends to build more convention centers, beginning with two developments in Cebu and Pasay City.

“By building next-generation venues with scale and flexibility, we are enabling more communities to benefit from the business and tourism opportunities that MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) events bring,” said Peggy Angeles, executive vice president of SM Hotels and Convention Corp.

READ: SM Prime set to expand SMX Manila

In a statement on Friday, the listed property developer said that SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu would be opened in the third quarter of 2026.

The company touts the Cebu project as one of the largest convention hubs in the Visayas. It will offer over 21,000 square-meters (sqm) of leasable spaces across six levels.

READ: New alliance aims to boost Cebu’s global MICE competitiveness

Meanwhile, the SMXCITE at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City will open by the first quarter of 2027. It will have 18,000 sqm of leasable space.

/rwd