With the Philippine Department of Tourism projecting a significant rebound of six million international tourist arrivals in 2025, the Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin) regions are leading the charge, rapidly transforming into a global hub for “bleisure” — the convergence of business and leisure travel. Premier Cebu-based developer, AppleOne Group, is at the forefront of this evolution, strategically positioning VisMin as the Philippines’ next world-class bleisure destination.
The Philippines is experiencing robust tourism growth, with Cebu alone recording over 5.1 million tourist arrivals in 2024, a remarkable 37% year-on-year surge. This momentum is not only revitalizing leisure travel but also establishing key cities like Cebu and Cagayan de Oro (CDO) as burgeoning centers for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
VisMin’s Competitive Edge in the New Era of Travel
Today’s travelers, influenced by hybrid work models and the rise of digital nomadism, seek purpose-driven experiences that seamlessly blend professional engagements with personal enrichment. VisMin is uniquely poised to meet this demand.
Cebu, as the country’s second-largest urban center, boasts an international airport and advanced ICT infrastructure, offering unparalleled accessibility for both domestic and international visitors. Its natural beauty, strong tourism infrastructure, and vibrant local culture make it an ideal location for combining work and discovery.
Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro is fast becoming Northern Mindanao’s MICE frontier, driven by its status as a major economic corridor and increasing demand for convention-ready venues. The region’s world-class resorts, heritage attractions, diverse culinary scene, and thriving creative community allow travelers to effortlessly transition between business engagements and leisure activities, paving the way for new revenue streams and extended visitor stays.
AppleOne Group: Bridging Business and Leisure
For over 15 years, AppleOne Group has been dedicated to developing projects that foster both economic growth and community pride. Their current portfolio perfectly aligns with the surging demand for bleisure across the VisMin region.
Leading AppleOne’s bleisure-focused initiatives is Mahi Center, an upcoming mixed-use business complex in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. This development will feature modern office spaces, a boutique mall, and the Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan, a premier global business hotel designed for both vacationers and business travelers. Mahi Center is set to bolster Cebu’s thriving business ecosystem while contributing to the vibrancy of local communities, offering flexible spaces for meetings, conferences, and events, complemented by lifestyle experiences that seamlessly blend work, leisure, and culture.
The luxurious Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort continues to be a preferred choice for executives and corporate travelers seeking an elevated experience. Its beachfront location, proximity to the airport, and world-class amenities have made it a prime venue for MICE conventions, setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the region. The resort has become a landmark bleisure destination, hosting executive retreats, networking events, and incentive travel, significantly elevating Cebu’s profile.
Further solidifying its MICE-ready portfolio, AppleOne is developing the Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences Cagayan de Oro. This will be CDO’s first five-star hotel and branded residence, addressing the growing need for high-quality, large-scale event and corporate gathering venues in Northern Mindanao.
These strategic developments underscore AppleOne’s pivotal role in reshaping VisMin’s tourism landscape, transforming it from solely a leisure destination into a sophisticated gateway for global bleisure travel.
Growth with Local Impact
AppleOne’s commitment extends beyond development to uplifting communities and contributing to regional growth. Through partnerships with global brands like Marriott International, the company not only introduces international standards to the South but also prioritizes sourcing materials locally and championing homegrown suppliers and artisans.
As the Philippines anticipates a new tourism boom, AppleOne views this not merely as an industry rebound but as a generational opportunity to shape the future of the region. By creating integrated destinations where business, leisure, and local culture intersect, AppleOne continues to expand opportunities for the local workforce and economy, cementing VisMin’s position as a next-generation bleisure hub in both the national and regional tourism landscape.
