Cebu City welcomes ASEAN 2026: A region prepares for international hospitality

Cebu City is once again preparing to host major events for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. With the Philippines taking the regional bloc’s chairmanship in 2026, the area is focusing on professionally organizing several key events that will attract international attention.

Overview of Major Events Schedule

In January 2026, Cebu City will become the center of diplomatic activities. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat (AMM) will take place from January 25 to 29 at the NUSTAR Resort, followed by the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) from January 26 to 30—also at the South Road Properties. Concurrently, Lapu-Lapu City will host tourism officials and entrepreneurs at the Mactan Expo Center for the ASEAN Travel Exchange, one of the main events during the ATF, running from January 20 to 30. This marks a milestone for the Mactan Expo, which will officially open its doors on that day—its first international event since opening.

Venues and Infrastructure Preparations

The infrastructure in Cebu City and surrounding areas has been specifically optimized for these events. At the Liberty Shrine, also known as Mactan Shrine, artisans are working on new pathways to prepare for the arrival of foreign ministers and their delegations. The NUSTAR Convention Center will feature large LED screens to welcome guests, while the lobby will showcase a gallery of local tourist destinations and regional specialties—an intentional display of Cebu City’s cultural and economic appeal.

Increased Professionalism Since 2007

The last time Cebu hosted an ASEAN event was about 19 years ago—in January 2007 during the 12th ASEAN Summit. Back then, preparations also faced challenges: debates over the Cebu International Convention Center, the main venue for that summit, and discussions about allegedly overpriced street lighting in Lapu-Lapu City marked the planning phase.

Compared to that, this year’s hosting demonstrates increased planning and coordination. The use of state-of-the-art event centers, careful design of visitor experiences, and integration of local culture into infrastructure all point to a mature, professional approach to international events. Cebu City is positioning itself not just as a host city but as an attractive destination for regional diplomacy and tourism promotion.

The upcoming events highlight how far Cebu City has advanced in developing its international reputation—a region that has learned to organize large-scale international events with care and expertise.