Crowds descended into the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City as shoppers earlier this month took advantage of the top travel deals and discounts offered by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, resulting in another successful trade event.
During Daily Tribune’s digital show Gising Na! last Friday, Travel Tour Expo chairperson Michelle Taylan said the 30th travel tour expo last 3 to 5 February was the largest and most magnificent travel fair in the country since the pandemic.
She added that it attracted around 100,000 visitors and over 300 exhibitors, occupying thousands of booths in the venue.
Taylan said that visitors were “thrilled” to attend as they could take advantage of up to 70 percent discounts on various travel packages offered by exhibitors.
The expo was participated in by different travel agencies, NTOs, embassies, merchandisers, regions in the Philippines and other tourism-related businesses.
“The visitors were not just there to avail of travel packages but also experience excitement and learning opportunities. The expo hosted its first cultural dance competition, which was a first in the expo and attracted many people,” Taylan said in Filipino.
“People (also looked) forward to the expo because they also have the chance to win a round-trip ticket and insurance,” Taylan added.
Places to visit in the Philippines
Asked about the best tourist destinations in the country and why people should visit the Philippines, Taylan said there are many beautiful places to visit within the Philippines, that a calendar may “not be enough” to explore all the destinations that the Department of Tourism promotes.
“Boracay is always at the top of the list, and despite the low offers from travel agencies, people still want to visit and revisit it, as well as Palawan, Siargao, and other beautiful destinations locally and internationally,” Taylan said.
She said people visit the Philippines to experience its famous natural wonders, such as the underground river, rice terraces, and incredible diving spots, as well as its unique cuisine, vibrant festivals, and friendly and hospitable people, who are also able to speak English and even some foreign languages.
Taylan said these factors make the country “a highly desirable” destination for foreign and local visitors, including those who have been away for more than two years and are eager to revisit.
“This is why different local and international tour packages were offered during the expo, catering to the needs and preferences of all types of visitors,” Taylan said.
No comparing
Taylan believes that comparing and competing with neighboring countries — such as Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia — is unnecessary as each country has a unique beauty.
She explained that the Philippines is earning a high number of foreign arrivals despite its lower accessibility than the mentioned countries.
“Even though the Philippines is not easily accessible to foreign tourists, they still choose it as their preferred destination despite the high airfare,: Taylan added.
She added that the PTAA has always been supportive of the projects of the Department of Tourism. Hence, they hold events like the travel tour expo and have already set dates for the 2024 travel tour expo.
“The organization collaborates with different international organizations to promote the Philippines as a tourist destination and works to invite tour operators from other countries to visit the Philippines,” she explained.
PTAA is a partner of the ASEAN Tourism Organization and the Federation of ASEAN Travel Association, which gives them access to international tour operators and helps them to promote the different destinations in the Philippines.
Taylan believes it will be easier for tour operators to sell the Philippines as a tourist destination if they can see it themselves.