As Cebu takes center stage this week as host of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026, one property stands quite literally at the heart of the action. Mercure Mactan Cebu, located directly across the Mactan Expo—the forum’s official venue—has been welcoming international delegates since the opening of ATF on January 28, offering a stay that bridges global dialogue, local culture, and island living.
Set within The Mactan Newtown, the hotel forms part of a broader destination showcase as regional tourism leaders gather in Cebu through January 30. Its location underscores the township’s growing role as a strategic hub for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE), while reinforcing Cebu’s position as a key gateway for business and leisure travel in Southeast Asia.
Inside the hotel, design becomes part of the storytelling. Coastal textures, wave-inspired forms, and coral motifs shape the interiors, anchored by a striking metal installation honoring Datu Lapu-Lapu—a nod to heritage and local pride that grounds the space in its Cebuano context. Guest rooms extend this sense of place through curated artworks and subtle references to everyday Cebu life, blending cultural detail with the comfort expected by international travelers.
Dining at Pulô, the hotel’s all-day restaurant, further reflects this balance. Named after the Cebuano word for “island,” the menu introduces guests to local flavors through heirloom-inspired dishes such as SuTuKil, Balbacua, and Tinola sa Itom, alongside international selections suited for business travelers with full schedules.
Beyond hospitality, Mercure Mactan Cebu highlights community engagement through its Likha Corner—a curated lobby space supporting local entrepreneurs, from homegrown coffee and sustainable snacks to handcrafted fashion and artworks. Wellness offerings on the 20th floor, including traditional Hilot treatments, provide delegates with a moment of pause amid packed forum days.
Just 15 minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport and close to key cultural landmarks such as the Mactan Shrine, the property sits at the intersection of history, modern township living, and global exchange. Backed by Megaworld Hotels & Resorts and Accor, Mercure Mactan Cebu reflects how hospitality developments today are increasingly about placemaking—supporting not just events, but the communities and narratives that give destinations their identity.
As ATF 2026 continues through the week, Mercure Mactan Cebu stands as a clear example of how well-positioned properties contribute to Cebu’s evolving role on the regional tourism and investment map.
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