Mactan: A Growing Hub for Business and Leisure Destination

Mactan Island is gaining recognition as a premier destination for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms, foreign hotel brands, and residential investors. Joey Roi Bondoc, research director at Colliers Philippines, highlights several factors contributing to its appeal: a strong talent pool, affordable living costs, competitive lease rates, diverse leisure options, and proximity to Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Adding to the region’s appeal is the planned Mactan Expo Center, set to become a central hub for events, exhibitions, and conferences. This facility will further enhance Mactan’s status as a premier destination for both business and leisure.

Several factors have contributed to the rising property prices in Mactan, including strong design and branding elements, and significant infrastructure developments such as the Cebu 4th Bridge and Cebu-Bohol Bridge. The recent rebound in the tourism market has also fueled demand for properties. The emergence of township developments like Mactan Newtown provides comprehensive lifestyle and business options for residents and investors.

A Thriving Office Market

Cebu’s office market is growing, with vacancies expected to drop from 21% to 8.6% by 2028. Cebu secured 45,000 square meters of office space in the first half of the year, the largest outside Metro Manila.

Expanding Hotel Sector Opportunities

The hotel sector in the Philippines is experiencing exponential growth, with significant opportunities arising from the surge in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities. Completion rates are at an all-time high, with more foreign brands entering the Philippine market. Infrastructure development is set to benefit tourism substantially, with the domestic market making a strong comeback. Although “revenge spending” is waning, travel remains robust.Cebu stands out with its robust infrastructure, young workforce, competitiveness in the BPO industry, and the expansion of foreign manufacturers and retailers. These strengths position Cebu—and by extension, Mactan—as a prime hub for both business and leisure, driving sustained economic growth and development. (DRDC)