Mall of Asia complex primed as major tourism hub by the Bay

Already well-loved because of its breathtaking sunset, the Manila Bay area is set to become an even more exciting destination for tourists with ongoing developments at the sprawling Mall of Asia complex, in Pasay City.

Situated along the coastline of the bay, the 60–hectare complex is being transformed into a premier tourism hub featuring technologically–advanced infrastructure integrated with retail, institutional, residential and leisure components.

"We envision the Mall of Asia complex as a prime destination for both foreign and local guests who wish to enjoy the famous Manila Bay sunset and all the best things in leisure and entertainment," said Josefino Lucas, executive vice president for real property of SM Investments Corporation (SMIC). "With this, we aim to boost Philippine tourism and redefine Manila’s place among the exciting urban centers of Asia."

Construction boom

As part of this fast–emerging tourism hub, residential, hotel, and serviced apartment developments are earmarked on the waterfront to ensure commanding views of the famed Manila Bay sunset.

A four–star hotel with 400 guest rooms under the Radisson brand is penciled for construction next year and is scheduled to be operational by October 2009.

To rise in late 2008 is a 150–room Microtel Inns and Suites strategically located near the new SMX Convention Center, a three–storey, 46,000–square meter state–of–the–art venue for local and international trade, cultural and entertainment events.

Another major development project is the SM Arena, a sprawling multipurpose coliseum/arena with a 16,000 seating capacity for sports events, concerts and entertainment shows.

Also in the pipeline is the construction of the SM Ferry, which will feature a modern ferry terminal to transport guests to Hamilo Coast, SMIC’s eco–tourism development in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Complementing these projects are the existing leisure and entertainment infrastructure at the expansive property.

The 386,000 square–meter SM Mall of Asia, the largest shopping mall in the Philippines and among the largest in the world in gross floor size, showcases a variety of stores and live entertainment venues, al fresco dining spaces and interaction areas for culture and the arts.

It is home to the Philippines’ first IMAX Theater, the first Olympic–sized skating rink, and the SM Science Discovery Center which is the first–of–its–kind theme park devoted to science and technology.

For those looking for the finest boardwalk experience, the Mall of Asia Complex also features San Miguel by the Bay, a 1.5–kilometer strip of fully–landscaped open space for retail and entertainment establishments.

Just recently and in time for the holiday season, Global Fun Carnival, the first European-style carnival in Asia opened its doors at the Mall of Asia Complex.

The Mall of Asia Complex is uniquely located by the Manila Bay, in close proximity to the international airport, key seaports, first-class hotels and other major commercial and residential districts, and with convenient access to road networks and public transportation.

With this strategic location and accessibility and forthcoming leisure and entertainment facilities, the Mall of Asia Complex is, indeed, primed to be the next biggest tourism destination in the metro.