Balikbayans flying home to the Philippines, whether now for the summer months or even for the holiday season, would more often than not include a trip to Boracay as part of their itinerary. Regarded as one of the “Best Islands of the World” by Conde Nast Traveler, Boracay‘s long stretches of stunning beaches with powdery white sand, inviting clear blue waters, breathtaking sunrise and sunset, abundance of dining options, a wide variety of accommodations—from cozy BnBs to the most luxurious resorts—plus a plethora of activities everyone can enjoy make it irresistible to local and international tourists alike.
But Boracay is more than just a destination for family and friends to enjoy a relaxing beach vacation. It is also a favorite location for bigger events—more than just weddings, it’s now being touted as the next MICE destination of the Philippines. MICE is the acronym for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions.
According to the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT), MICE is an important product for Philippine tourism, as it will help maximize the development of the country into a center for conferences and events and a tourism powerhouse in Asia. Tourism constantly contributes greatly to the country’s GDP (income) and creates millions of jobs for Filipinos. By supporting Philippine tourism and the country’s bid to become the leading MICE destination in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East, balikbayans are able to give back to the motherland as well.
Boracay MICE Alliance (BMA) is an institution formed in 2021 by the DOT to position the island’s potential for bolder MICE opportunities. BMA members are made up of the island’s key leaders and stakeholders, including hotels, resorts, bars, restaurants, airlines, tour operators, and more.
“The island paradise is now more than just everyone’s favorite vacation spot. It’s also an ideal place for people to gather and create important business decisions while creating memories at a grander scale,” says BMA President Maia Israel.
And here’s why: The island now offers more than 14,700 rooms from across 400+ hotels with a total event space good for a maximum of 4,500 people. As of this writing, there are three large convention centers on the island with a capacity of over 2,500 persons.
Through the initiatives of the BMA, those who decide to hold their MICE in Boracay can look forward to assistance and support for their events from the organization, provisions for cultural activities, assistance in organizing corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities for the groups, coordination meetings with the LGU (local government unit), digital promotions, tokens and souvenirs, and other incentives.
Among the member resorts of BMA which you may want to consider for your next trip or event in Boracay are Savoy Hotel Boracay, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Discovery Shores Boracay, Four Points by Sheraton Boracay, Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Henann Group of Resorts, Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay, Movenpick Resort & Spa Boracay, Paradise Garden Resorts Hotel & Convention Center, The Lind Boracay, and Mandala Spa & Resort Villas.
BMA partner travel agencies, wholesalers, and corporate partners include Boracay Adventures Travel & Tours, Purple Diaries Travel and Tours, Shingley Tours, and Southwest Travel & Tours.
For more information about Boracay and its MICE capabilities, connect with Boracay MICE Alliance through its official Facebook page or email them via [email protected] and tell them you learned about it through KUBO!
Love Boracay Music Festivals
The famous annual “Laboracay” series of parties, concerts, events that fall on Labor Day, May 1, and the weekend closest to it has now evolved into “Love Boracay,” which highlights sustainable tourism and love for the island. Love Boracay events are supposedly more mindful of the island’s natural beauty and the community who live there. This year, the celebration will begin this pre-Labor Day weekend, April 27-28, and last up to next Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
Among the events to look forward to are the music festivals that will kick off Love Boracay 2024 in different venues around the island, including Boracay Newcoast and Discovery Boracay.
The Love Boracay 2024 Music Festival has two venues: Boracay Newcoast Cove 2 on April 27-28, and White Beach Station 1 on May 1, from 4p.m. onwards. DJs to look forward to include Marc Marasigan, Ron Poe, Mike Lavet, Manolet Dario, Samantha Nicole, Enza Grasso, TYS, Panorama, The Blindside, and more.
Meanwhile, Discovery Boracay kicks off their music festival as early as tomorrow, April 25, with a lineup of different guest DJs each day starting at 4p.m. up to 8:30p.m, set against the backdrop of Boracay’s unparalleled beach views and vibrant sunsets. Catch performances by local DJs Justine V and Lee Dumael on April 25; DJ Uggo and DJ Kat D on April 26; DJ Franco Zarate and DJ Ron Poe on April 27; and DJ Big Boy and DJ Warren Z, followed by DJ Ian Caram on April 28.
You can enjoy the beats while indulging in Discovery Boracay’s beverage offers, featuring Heineken Beer Buckets; Happy Summer Drinks including Savanna Skies, Lion Paradise, and Melon Breeze; Ginfinite (unlimited) delights; and Chandon Secret Garden Promotions. Also enjoy 50% off on Forno Osteria’s freshly baked pizza with any Love Boracay drink promo from 5p.m. to 7p.m.
For those seeking the ultimate VIP treatment, Love Boracay offers VIP Tables priced at PHP10,000, consumable with food and beverages, ideal for 3-5 persons with front-stage seating at the Love Boracay DJ performances. To book, go to their website, email [email protected], or call +632-77208888 or +63917-6273780.