ILOILO City — This city’s bid to cement itself as a global hub for major conventions and business events gained significant momentum. The Iloilo Convention Center (ICON) was named Philippines’ Best Convention Centre 2025 at the 6th Annual World MICE Awards.
The recognition signals Iloilo’s rising competitiveness in the international meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) market — positioning the city for larger, higher-profile gatherings ahead of its hosting duties for the 2026 summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
The award was formally announced at the World Travel Awards Gala Ceremony held on December 6, 2025, at Exhibition World Bahrain.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 director Krisma Rodriguez, who attended the ceremony, praised the collective effort behind ICON’s ascent.
“DOT-6 congratulates the Iloilo Convention Center and its esteemed workforce for winning this well-deserved award,” she said. “This recognition marks another milestone in Iloilo City’s MICE journey, demonstrating that we are ready for the global stage.”
Strong Track Record Behind the Win
Long before earning global acclaim, ICON had already proven its capability to host events of national and international caliber. Since opening in 2015, it has staged the 2015 APEC Meetings, 2017 ASEAN Meetings, and the 44th CityNet Executive Committee Meeting in 2024.
Its portfolio also includes major trade shows and conferences such as:
* DOT’s First Central Philippines Tourism Expo (2023)
* World Food Expo
* CALD 14th General Assembly (2022)
* IPPF Solidarity for Change Gathering & Youth Forum (2024)
* PHILTOA Travel Tour Expo VisMin Edition (2025)
* IPSC Action Air World Shoot (2025)
* National Food Showdown (2025)
* WorldBex Iloilo Trio, held annually since 2023
Iloilo Set for High-Level ASEAN Meetings in 2026
The timing of the award dovetails with a packed 2026 calendar. With the Philippines assuming the ASEAN chairmanship, several high-level ASEAN meetings are already confirmed for ICON. The venue is also set to host the WONCA Asia Pacific Regional Conference in March 2026, which will draw delegates from across the region.
Further supporting Iloilo’s rise as a premier MICE destination is a P17.6-million grant from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) — the government corporation that developed and owns the facility. The funding will be used to promote Iloilo’s MICE capabilities nationwide and within ASEAN.
Strengthening Iloilo’s Global Brand
Natalie Lim, chairperson of the Iloilo MICE Alliance, said the award reflects collaborative progress.
“This award highlights the Iloilo Convention Center as a truly world-class MICE venue,” Lim said. “It reflects the dedication of our local government, private sector partners, and the Ilonggo community. This recognition strengthens our commitment to positioning Iloilo as a global MICE destination.”
ICON’s latest honor adds to its growing list of distinctions, including:
* ASEAN MICE Venue Award (2024–2026)
* DOT VI Multidimensional Tourism Product Award from Pagdayaw 2024
Global Recognition
The World MICE Awards — an extension of the prestigious World Travel Awards — celebrates excellence in the business events industry. Winners are determined through international voting by MICE professionals, media organizations, and industry consumers.
The Iloilo MICE Alliance also extended its gratitude to supporters and partners who rallied behind ICON in this year’s voting cycle./PN
