Cebu hotel braces for MICE influx, opens grand ballroom

CEBU, Philippines – To help address Cebu’s lack of accommodation facility for big events, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu opened its expanded ballroom facility in anticipation to the influx of more MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conference, and Exhibition) events in Cebu.

The opening of the 800-capacity grand ballroom is part of the P300 million budget allocated by Cathay International Resources Corporation, the hotel's developer, to further polish the amenities of the five-star hotel.

Led by Cathay International Resources Corporation chairman Alfred Ty, its ballroom amenity is designed to catch up with the latest technology, and events' support system, as well as contemporary aesthetics meant to suit the new preference of the modern market.

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu general manager Julie Najar said that aside from the Grand Ballroom facelift, the P300 million budget is also intended for the improvement of its rooftop restaurant, Blu Bar & Grill and the re-construction of its 101 suits and premium rooms.

"Cebu is a top destination in the Philippines. We decided to upgrade the Grand Ballroom because the MICE market for regional, national and even international groups is growing fast. The need for a bigger venue is there and management wanted to address that," Najar said.

The ballroom renovation started in March 2015 and was formally opened over the weekend.

According to Najar, with the renovation of the grand ballroom also comes the upgrading of the audio-visual technical equipment. Acquired from different parts of the world such as China, Italy, USA, Germany and Japan, these equipment are guaranteed to suit current international standards.

The 329-room hotel completed its P228 million renovation program of its deluxe rooms last year.