Eastern Visayas: The Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office here is upbeat about the growth of meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism in Eastern Visayas with more organizations capable of handling large gatherings in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOT Eastern Visayas regional director Karina Rosa Tiopes said there are more groups tapping the services of their office to help them organize or welcome guests of MICE events. Tiopes noted that even local governments have observed an increase in requests for assistance to hold MICE activities. She expressed confidence in the capability of stakeholders in both private and government sectors to host these events.

Last year, the region recorded 832 MICE events with 210,487 attendees, marking a significant increase compared to 2023. This growth is attributed to more local tourism offices reporting MICE gatherings. Tiopes emphasized that MICE is viewed as a leading form of tourism that attracts more visitors, thereby generating income for local businesses such as restaurants.

The region has been encouraging its three MICE corridors to enhance their hosting facilities to attract more events. These corridors include Tacloban City and nearby Palo, Leyte; Baybay City and Ormoc City in northwestern Leyte province; and Catbalogan City and Calbayog City in Samar.