SMX visitor traffic hits 4.3 million in six months

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August 8, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — SMX Convention Centers, the conferences and exhibitions arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc.,  saw a double-digit jump in visitor traffic in the first half amid robust demand for business events.

From January to June, SMX venues welcomed 4.3 million visitors, 18 percent more than the 3.6 million recorded in the same period last year.

A total of 807 booked events were hosted by SMX Convention Centers nationwide during the period.

SMX Convention Center Manila recorded the highest visitor traffic, welcoming more than 2.5 million visitors in the first semester.

Regional venues, including SMX Convention Center Davao, SMX Convention Center Bacolod and SMX Convention Center Clark, likewise recorded healthy growth in visitor traffic.

SM Hotel and Conventions Corp. executive vice president Peggy Angeles said locations within SM Prime’s larger mixed-use developments give event organizers and attendees direct access to dining, accommodation and transportation options, making events more convenient and attractive.

“Our strong first-half performance supports our ongoing expansion. We are excited to add new capacity in Cebu and Metro Manila,” Angeles said.

SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu is set to become the country’s largest convention center when it opens in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Located beside newly launched SM Arena Seaside Cebu and connected to SM Seaside City Cebu via a link bridge, the venue will form part of an integrated MICE, entertainment and retail destination in the Visayas.

SMXCITE in Pasay, which is slated to open in early 2027, has started booking negotiations with event organizers.

The 18,000-square-meter facility will offer 900 parking spaces and direct access to SM Mall of Asia via an elevated walkway.

Its proximity to Ninoy Aquino International Airport and a broad range of hotels makes it well suited for local and international events.

The new developments will expand SMX’s portfolio to seven convention centers and six trade halls across the Philippines, bringing its combined leasable area to more than 90,000 square meters.