Megadome to make Cebu an international convention hub

Cebu's attractiveness as an international convention hub will be further strengthened with the completion of the Cebu Megadome project.

Cebu Visitors and Convention Bureau (CVCB) founding chairman Patrick C. Gregorio said it won't be difficult anymore to attract international conventions and exhibitions, among other huge events when the Megadome is already in place.

Although the project is hastily pursued due to the upcoming ASEAN Summit on December and some regarded it as another political showcase, Gregorio said the reason for its being is of no importance. What is important is Cebu can have another world-class facility that it can be proud of.

"Any tourism related infrastructure that will be established in Cebu, is good for the province's economy," Gregorio said emphasizing that world-class facilities such as the Megadome should be appreciated as it provides more advantage for the province not only as tourist destination, but as an international convention hub.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia earlier confirmed that the megadome will be constructed this year on the Mandaue City lot appropriated for the project.

As early as now, businessmen are contemplating on developing support facilities in the nearby areas where the Megadome will be erected, as more and more events will be held in the facility even after the ASEAN Summit.

Currently, Cebu is having difficulties in accommodating larger international events, as the convention accommodation is limited. Only Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino is offering huge convention facility that can accommodate a little over 5,000 participants.

Gregorio said with the Waterfront convention facility and the Megadome, Cebu will have the confidence to invite more international convention events, thereby contributing to active tourism and business activities in the province.

CVCB has been organizing large international conventions in Cebu, the most recent of which is the Global Pinoy Conference last year.

Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano gave up the 13,000-square-meter lot in the North Reclamation Area which he promised to give to the Cebu International Trade and Exhibition Center (Citec), in favor of the Megadome project.

Citec, a private-sector led initiative, is supposed to be a 4,000 square-meter international exhibition center, which will serve as trade and exhibition facilty for Visayas and Mindanao. It is a long-standing dream of the Cebu business community, proposed in 1995.