With Manila’s convention district set for further expansion, Lanson Place Mall of Asia is sharpening its focus on international events and extended-stay travellers.
A fresh entrant in Manila’s hospitality landscape is already looking beyond room nights and local business. Less than two years after opening its doors, Lanson Place Mall of Asia Manila is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the international MICE market, banking on the rapid growth of the city’s Mall of Asia (MOA) district and an anticipated expansion of its convention infrastructure.
The move comes as destinations across Asia compete aggressively for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), with planners increasingly seeking integrated precincts that combine event venues, accommodation, entertainment and leisure experiences in one location. For Manila, the MOA complex has emerged as one of the country’s strongest convention and events hubs, attracting a growing mix of corporate, association and incentive business.
“We are a relatively young property. We opened in 2024 and are perfectly located in the Mall of Asia area,” said Nils Rothbarth, General Manager, Lanson Place Mall of Asia Manila. “The area is known for its leisure facilities, shopping and as a strong MICE destination. There are already excellent event facilities around us and with further expansion planned in the coming years, we expect to see even more regional and international events choosing this destination.”
Rothbarth believes the property’s location places it at the intersection of several growing travel segments. Beyond conference delegates, the hotel is seeing opportunities among long-stay corporate travellers, project teams and guests extending business trips for leisure. “It is a destination that works equally well for leisure travellers, corporate guests on longer assignments and MICE delegates who want to add a pre- or post-event stay. That blend of business and leisure travel is becoming increasingly important,” he said.
Unlike many traditional city hotels, Lanson Place has built part of its offering around longer stays. Alongside hotel rooms, the property features fully serviced apartments designed for guests spending weeks or months in Manila. “The apartments are fully equipped and serviced, making them ideal for extended stays. Guests can even have their refrigerators stocked with daily essentials through our personalised services,” Rothbarth explained.
Meetings and events remain central to the property’s growth strategy. The hotel offers multiple meeting rooms, co-working facilities and a ballroom capable of hosting large corporate gatherings, weddings and social events.
“We have various meeting rooms, a co-working space and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 380 guests. These facilities allow us to cater to everything from business meetings and conferences to weddings and celebrations,” he said.
One of the property’s more distinctive features, however, lies beyond its event infrastructure. Rothbarth describes the hotel as a “living art gallery”, with original artworks displayed throughout public spaces and guestrooms.
“We offer guided art tours within the hotel, featuring both visual and culinary arts. The artworks are original pieces and many are available for purchase. Travellers today are looking for stronger connections with the places they visit and the communities around them,” he noted.
That community connection also extends to the hotel’s social impact initiatives. “Sustainability is not just about environmental practices. From day one, we have worked closely with local communities and currently employ deaf associates across our outlets. It is about creating opportunities and ensuring the community grows alongside us,” he added.
The hotel’s MICE ambitions are increasingly stretching beyond domestic demand. Rochelle Tabino, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, said the property is now actively pursuing regional and international event business.
“Our event packages cater to groups from 50 to 300 guests, covering weddings, social functions, corporate meetings and conventions that can run for several days,” said Tabino. “Today, most of our business comes from within the Philippines, but our next focus is to expand our reach internationally and develop programmes specifically designed for overseas organisers and bookers.”
At the heart of the meetings offering is the Saffron Grand Ballroom. According to Alaiza Ericka Domingo, Marketing Communications Executive, the venue spans 697 square metres, features a six-metre ceiling height, and can be divided into three separate sections. “The ballroom can accommodate up to 300 guests in banquet setup and 350 guests in theatre or classroom configuration. Being pillar-less gives organisers greater flexibility in designing events and maximising space,” she said.
As Manila strengthens its credentials as a regional meetings destination, Lanson Place Mall of Asia Manila is betting that a combination of location, flexible stay options, community engagement and event infrastructure will help it stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
