The 34th Philippine Travel Mart, the country’s most prominent and longest-running travel expo, formally opened to the public.
In addition to promising exciting deals and discounts from tour operators, hotels, resorts, and airlines, the expo also offers guests the opportunity to experience the feeling of traveling across the country through the booths prepared by the Regional Offices of the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Also, the 34th Philippine Travel Mart promotes hidden tourist gems in the country.
“What we are doing is continuously enhancing the already established destination. Hindi naman namin inaalis ‘yon. Pero they [emerging tourist destinations] really need us, the way we really need them,” said the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) President Fe Abling-Yu.
One hidden tourist gem Abling-Yu mentioned is the Spratly Islands, a significant topic of debate years ago. Now, she wants to shift the public’s perception of the location so they can recognize the spot’s beautiful beaches, thriving marine ecosystem, and other unique experiences.
At the 34th Philippine Travel Mart, guests can talk with tour operators of the Great Kalayaan Expedition, organized by the Kalayaan Tourism Development Center, which offers a seven-day/six-night package in the West Philippine Sea to open the area to various tourism opportunities.
The expedition is set to start in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and will have five destinations, which include Lawak Island, Patag Island, and the famous Pag-asa Island. The expedition cost includes full board meals, an internet connection, water sports and recreational activities gear, and a massage.
Meanwhile, those looking to broaden their horizons and catch a glimpse of the beauty of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in Basilan, Sulu, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, and Maguindanao del Norte can drop by the region’s exclusive pavilion—a definite standout in the large convention hall with its beautiful mosque design—which gives one access to tour packages of their unspoiled beaches, exotic food, and distinct architecture.
Last year, the Philippine Travel Mart featured the colors of Mindanao and will continue doing so, as per Abling-Yu. She believes that the negative perception of the region has kept travelers from genuinely immersing themselves in the rich culture its provinces offer to eager visitors.
“Gusto ko iparating sa aming mga pasahero na gustong pumunta ng Mindanao na maganda ang experience. We started from Zamboanga, Tawi-Tawi, and now, Isabela de Basilan. If we will be given the opportunity to cover Sulu and, of course, the rest of the Southern Mindanao area, we will do that,” the PHILTOA President said.
She added that she hopes the association will be the pioneer in the tourism industry that erases the negative notions long associated with Mindanao.
Also present at the opening of the 34th Philippine Travel Mart was DOT Secretary Cristina Frasco as the guest of honor and keynote speaker.
“It never ceases to amaze me how the Philippines has the potential to become a tourism powerhouse,” Frasco said.
The PTM is a significant platform for promoting domestic tourism and a testament to the power of collaboration within the travel industry.
Visit the 34th Philippine Travel Mart from September 1 to 3 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.