Cebu is expanding its tourism offering beyond beaches and heritage sites as new entertainment, dining and recreational attractions give visitors more reasons to spend time in the province.
SM Supermalls said its three major Cebu properties — SM City Cebu, SM J Mall and SM Seaside City Cebu — are bringing together retail, food, entertainment and leisure concepts as part of the company’s broader “SM for Cebu” initiative.
At SM City Cebu, the offerings include a Food Hall featuring local and international dining concepts, an SM Bowling Center and Directors Club Cinema. The mall is also home to Cebu’s first and only IMAX Theatre, providing another entertainment option for residents and tourists visiting the city.
In neighboring Mandaue City, SM J Mall has positioned itself as a Japanese-inspired lifestyle destination. Its attractions include the Izakaya Terrace and Food Hall, along with retail, wellness and entertainment concepts. The property also features a Directors Club Cinema.
SM Seaside City Cebu, meanwhile, is emerging as a broader entertainment and recreation hub through attractions within the surrounding SM Seaside Complex.
The complex includes Cebu Ocean Park, Cebu Fun Park and Thirsty Pickle, which offers pickleball and other active recreation experiences. SM Seaside City Cebu itself also houses an ice-skating rink, bowling center and Directors Club Cinema.
The development of the SM Seaside Cebu Arena has added a venue for concerts, sporting events and other large-scale activities, while the upcoming SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu is expected to expand the city’s capacity to host conventions, exhibitions, meetings and other events.
Dining is also becoming an increasingly important part of Cebu’s visitor experience. SM’s Cebu malls host a mix of homegrown brands, Cebuano specialties and international restaurant concepts, allowing tourists to combine shopping and entertainment with the province’s expanding food scene.
The growing number of lifestyle attractions could help Cebu encourage longer visitor stays and repeat trips while generating additional activity for restaurants, retailers and other local businesses.
Cebu remains one of the Philippines’ major tourism destinations, traditionally drawing travelers for its beaches, diving destinations, historical landmarks and cultural attractions. The expansion of urban leisure and entertainment offerings is adding another layer to the province’s tourism economy, particularly for families and travelers looking for activities beyond traditional sightseeing.
SM Supermalls operates 90 malls in the Philippines and nine in China.
Business News Asia
