MOA complex sees visitor count match Peru's population in Q1
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The consumer sector continues to show signs of post-pandemic growth with SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime), one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, reporting a 15 percent increase in first-quarter foot traffic at its flagship Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex.
The firm said that visits to the MOA Complex climbed to 34.5 million during the first quarter, fueled by a strong slate of events, led by the return of the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition, which featured top-tier fireworks teams from around the world and sharply boosted evening visits.
To put this impressive figure into perspective, 34.5 million visits in just three months at the MOA Complex is comparable to the entire population of Peru, which is estimated to be around 34.58 million people.
The quarter also saw high-profile concerts from global acts including Maroon 5, NIKI, Wave to Earth and K-pop stars Baekhyun and Taeyeon. Major sporting events like the UAAP volleyball season attracted also large university crowds.
“The Mall of Asia Complex demonstrates how our integrated, experience-led strategy—from retail and offices to education and entertainment—drives sustained foot traffic. It’s the SM ecosystem in full effect,” said SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim.
The MOA Complex, SM Prime’s first integrated estate, is home to some of the Philippines’ largest and most modern commercial properties—including SM Mall of Asia, SMX Convention Center Manila, MOA Arena and SM MOA IMAX. It also houses the world’s largest IKEA store.
“We are seeing sustained momentum toward experience-driven consumption so we are aligning our event strategy to capture that demand,” added Lim.
SM Prime reported a first-quarter consolidated net income up by 11 percent increase from the previous year, driven primarily by the performance of its mall segment.
To sustain its growth momentum, SM Prime has outlined a three-pronged strategy of organic expansion, regional development and bold diversification. Lim said he expects integrated property developments and premium residential projects to drive growth over the next five years.
Located in Pasay City and spanning 60 hectares, the MOA Complex is SM Prime’s flagship integrated estate. Anchored by SM Mall of Asia—one of the largest malls in the world—the complex also features residential developments, office buildings, a convention center, events arena, hotels, an amusement park and an academic institution.