Less than a week after a successful turnout at the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2022, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines registered record-breaking actual and negotiated sales amounting to PHP 83 million on its 10th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) held from 27 to 30 October 2022 in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Organized by the TPB, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), this year’s RTF has generated an increase of PHP 45,452,000 (120%) and PHP 27,360,000 (49%) from the 8th and 9th RTFs, respectively.
“For the 10th Regional Travel Fair, we focused on CALABARZON, a region that has shown a very meaningful manifestation of resilience throughout the crucial times in our country’s development,” said DOT Undersecretary Atty. Mae Elaine Bathan who gave the keynote speech at the event on behalf of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
RTF began in 2018 to serve as an avenue to promote and sell domestic tour packages by showcasing the rich culture, heritage and products the region has to offer through collaboration and support of the DOT regional offices, local government units and private stakeholders. The said TPB signature event has since generated an average sales lead of 30M per run.
Governor of the Province of Laguna, Honorable Ramil Laurel Hernandez shared his confidence on the outcome of the program, “Alam natin na ito ay isang mainam na paraan upang maipakilala sa ating mga turista ang mga natatanging produkto at serbisyong matatagpuan sa iba’t-ibang travel destination sa bansa.”
TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles also expressed, “All of these initiatives aim to revitalize the tourism industry in the country and introduce new innovations and ideas that not only transform but enhance the entire travel experience.”
The four-day hybrid edition of the RTF featuring “#DiscoverCALABARZON” commenced with a half-day onsite and online tourism forum on best practices in tourism operations. It was followed by a whole day, face-to-face business-to-business (B2B) sessions with 48 sellers from Region IV-A, and 47 buyers and 27 Sellers/Exhibitors from outside the region. The last two days were opened to the public however, due to Typhoon Paeng, the first consumer day was done completely online. The second consumer day resumed its hybrid arrangement at Solenad III in Nuvali. Captivating pre and post tours in Laguna, Batangas, and Cavite for 47 buyers were also included to provide an immersive experience of what the region has in store.
The 10th Regional Travel Fair was organized in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region IV-A and Ayala Malls in cooperation with the Provinces of CALABARAZON, Technopark Hotel and Cebu Pacific Air.
