BACOLOD CITY — The opening of the SMX Convention Center here is expected to boost the city’s bid to become a meetings, incentives, conference and exhibitions (MICE) destination, officials said.

SMX Convention Center Bacolod, the first in the Visayas, opened Tuesday at the north wing of SM City Bacolod.

Dexter Deyto, senior assistant vice president of SMX Convention Center, said he was confident that the convention center will make Bacolod a strong contender for MICE events.

Mr. Deyto said the company will bring to Bacolod the same international standards and acclaimed service that the SMX brand is known for.

“Tonight, we do not only open a convention center. It is also a celebration of the best of Negros — its heritage, culture and commerce,” he said.

Bacolod Mayor Monico O. Puentevella, for his part, said the facility will provide a boost to the local tourism industry.

“With the SMX Convention Center, we are looking forward to hosting many national conventions starting this year and next year. This will be a big year for Bacolod tourism especially that we will be one of the host cities of the APEC Summit next year,” Mr. Puentevella added.

SMX Bacolod, located at the third level of the mall, offers 8,218 square meters of event space, a pre-function lobby, six meeting rooms, and three function rooms that can accommodate up to 4,500 people.

Mr. Deyto said SMX became a game changer in the conventions and meetings industry with the inauguration in 2007 of the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia complex, its flagship facility. This was followed by the opening of SMX Davao and SMX Taguig.

A fashion show featuring the creation of Renee Salud and local designers as well as a two-day art exhibit were among the highlights during the opening ceremony. — Chrysee G. Samillano