The new SMX Convention Center in the Philippines' Clark Freeport Zone area is adjacent to the Park Inn by Radisson Clark. Photo Credit: SMX Convention Center
SMX Convention Center Clark has officially opened in Central Luzon's
Clark Freeport area in the province of Pampanga, approximately 100
kilometres from the Philippine capital of Manila.
The new venue, which features three trade halls, three function rooms
and 14 additional meeting rooms more than 4,000 square metres, is owned
and operated by SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), one of the
country's leading retail, real estate and hospitality players.
The opening of SMX Convention Center Clark highlights the Clark
Freeport Zone's position as an emerging MICE destination. International
hotel brands, such as Marriott, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Park Inn by
Radisson, have all opened properties in the area. Meanwhile,
connectivity is also improving with Clark International Airport
currently serving flights from 12 international destinations in Asia and
in the Middle East.
According to SMHCC executive vice president Peggy Angeles, the Clark
Freeport area is "poised to become the preferred MICE and tourism
destination in the Asia-Pacific region by 2030."
The
Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) revealed that as of end-2021,
Clark’s tourist arrivals nearly reached pre-pandemic levels at 640,353
compared to 721,567 in 2019. This year, DOT data showed that Clark
tourism arrivals have reached 141,228 as of end-April.