Marcos in Mactan: Tourism under pressure

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ tourism sector is facing “a great deal of pressure,” President Marcos admitted yesterday, as he cited the need for the country to catch up with its neighbors in luring tourists and enhance infrastructure that would improve its visitors’ experience.

During the inauguration of the Mactan Expo at Lapu-Lapu City, Marcos said the country should build more facilities like convention centers and boost its infrastructure to provide stronger support for the tourism industry.

Located within Mactan Newtown, Mactan Expo is the first stand-alone convention center of property giant Megaworld Corp. The convention center will host major events, including this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.

Marcos said facilities like the Mactan Expo are an “encouraging sign” as he expressed readiness to explore more ways to elevate Philippine tourism.

Mactan Expo has nearly 10,000 square meters of event space and a main hall that can accommodate about 2,500 people.