With the Department of Tourism projecting six million international arrivals in 2025, the Philippines is poised for a major tourism rebound. Leading this resurgence are the vibrant regions of Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin), where Cebu alone recorded over 5.1 million tourist arrivals in 2024—a remarkable 37% increase year-on-year.
Beyond the return of leisure travelers, VisMin is fast becoming a new frontier for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. As the lines between business and leisure continue to blur, a growing segment of travelers is embracing “bleisure”—the seamless fusion of work and exploration. At the forefront of this evolution is AppleOne Group, the premier Cebu-based developer reshaping the region into a world-class bleisure destination.
VisMin’s Rising Appeal: A Natural Fit for Bleisure Travel
Today’s travelers seek more than itineraries—they crave meaningful, experience-rich journeys. Driven by flexible work setups, digital nomadism, and lifestyle-led decisions, the global bleisure trend has found an ideal home in VisMin.
Cebu, the Philippines’ second-largest urban hub, stands out with its international airport, advanced ICT infrastructure, and unmatched natural and cultural offerings. Its strategic location, tech-readiness, and deep hospitality roots make it a magnet for business travelers who want more than just boardrooms.
Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro (CDO) is quickly establishing itself as Northern Mindanao’s MICE epicenter, with increasing demand for high-quality convention venues and access to a robust economic corridor.
Together, these cities are redefining the bleisure experience—offering world-class resorts, heritage-rich tours, culinary adventures, and a vibrant creative scene—all within reach of business districts. For tourism stakeholders, this means longer visitor stays, diversified income streams, and stronger regional development.
AppleOne: Building Bleisure Hubs for the Next Generation
For over 15 years, AppleOne Group has been at the heart of transformative developments across VisMin. Today, its expanding portfolio is perfectly aligned with the needs of the modern bleisure traveler.
At the center of this strategy is Mahi Center, an upcoming mixed-use development in Lapu-Lapu City designed to support Cebu’s fast-growing business ecosystem. Anchored by Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan, the project features office spaces, a lifestyle mall, and flexible meeting areas—creating a dynamic space where work and leisure coexist.
Mahi Center represents AppleOne’s vision for integrated communities that support economic vitality while enhancing quality of life. From corporate meetings to cultural experiences, every element is curated to foster productivity and relaxation in equal measure.
AppleOne’s Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort continues to elevate bleisure in the region. With its beachfront setting, proximity to the airport, and five-star amenities, it has become a sought-after venue for executive retreats, incentive travel, and networking events. It exemplifies the group’s ability to blend global standards with local warmth—redefining luxury hospitality in the South.
In Northern Mindanao, AppleOne is set to make another mark with the Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences Cagayan de Oro—the city’s first five-star hotel and branded residence. Designed to meet the growing demand for large-scale MICE events, the project fills a critical gap in the region’s event and accommodation landscape.
Tourism Growth with Community Impact
What truly sets AppleOne apart is its community-first approach to development. While collaborating with international hospitality leaders like Marriott International and Radisson Hotel Group, the company remains deeply rooted in local sourcing, partnerships, and talent development.
From employing local artisans to using regionally sourced materials, AppleOne is ensuring that its projects uplift the communities they serve—creating jobs, empowering suppliers, and sustaining regional pride.
As the Philippines enters a new chapter of tourism-led growth, AppleOne sees more than a rebound—it sees a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine what the industry can achieve for the country and its people.
By creating spaces where business, leisure, and culture thrive together, AppleOne is positioning VisMin as the Philippines’ next-generation bleisure capital—dynamic, inclusive, and ready for the world.
