CLARK FREEPORT – Significant enhancements and preparations made by the Clark Development Corp. have leveled up the position of this freeport as a leading MICE venue.
“Clark is first and foremost an investment destination, but after 30 years, it has transformed into something more,” noted CDC president and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera at a press conference hosted by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) that followed the opening ceremonies of MICECON 2024 at the SMX Convention Center here.
“We have all the reasons for people to come over. We have vast spaces, so what did we do? First, we grouped the industries according to their business nature, and we sold the idea of MICE to people not involved in MICE or tourism,” furthered Devanadera.
The CDC chief cited the support received from stakeholders and locators in preparing for MICECON 2024, underscoring Clark’s potential as a MICE hub.
“We were so pleasantly surprised; everybody wanted to be part of this [MICECON] endeavor.”
“We want this (Clark) to be a happy place, integrating a happiness index into their planning to create a vibrant and welcoming environment in this freeport,” she added.
To support this vision, Clark has invested in enhancing its open spaces and parks, making them freely accessible to the public. Additionally, Clark is bolstering its hospitality infrastructure with three new hotels—Hilton, Wyndham, and The Henry Hotel—joining the existing 4,100 rooms to meet the rising demand for accommodations.
With these enhancements, the state-owned firm is positioning Clark as a premier global destination for MICE events, offering world-class facilities and a welcoming atmosphere for both business and leisure, declared Devanadera.
