With its festive booths and a vibrant showcase of Filipino art, culture, products, and destinations, the 34th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) was a testament to Philippine travel’s post-pandemic comeback, attracting thousands of visitors raring to explore the country free of the past years’ restrictions.
The three-day sale, organized by the Philippine Travel Operators Association (Philtoa), opened on September 1 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City and will last till September 3. It features over 200 exhibitors— hotels, resorts, airlines, travel agencies, and tour operators—and highlights the less-frequented destinations of the Philippines from across all regions, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Thanking the Filipino public, whom she called the “heart of our endeavor,” Philtoa president Fe Abling-Yu led the event’s opening ceremonies on Friday by inviting people to “take advantage of our freedom to make new discoveries” at the PTM, the largest and longest-running travel fair in the Philippines.
“Your enthusiasm keeps the vibrancy of our country’s wonders alive,” added Abling-Yu. “This year, I urge the public to discover other beautiful destinations in our archipelago.”
One new experience Filipinos can avail themselves of at the is a chartered expedition to the Spratly Islands, organized by the Kalayaan Tourism Development Center, which offers a seven-day/six-night tour package in the West Philippine Sea. 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 cost of this expedition is inclusive of full board meals, an internet connection, gear for water sports and recreational activities, and a massage.
“The Spratly Islands is not just a political discussion, says “Abling-Yu. “It has beautiful, unspoiled beaches, huge fish you can catch yourself and cook.”
Those wanting to see the beauty of 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.
Other on-the-spot deals and discounts are also exclusively available at the event.
Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, guest of honor and keynote speaker at the event, expressed her gratitude and support to Philtoa for continuing to host the PTM and helping in the growth of the travel and tourism industry. “It never ceases to amaze me how the Philippines has the potential to become a tourism powerhouse,” Frasco said.
Frasco also shared a special message from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who commended PTM for exemplifying the ideal approach “to ensure the continued strength of our tourism sector: coordinated, collaborative, inclusive, market-driven, and proactive.”
“We truly appreciate the support from government units. I have seen their passion for enhancing local tourism,” Abling-Yu adds.
The 34th Philippine Travel Mart will run from September 1-3 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, and is supported by the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, and PTM partners Philippine Airlines, BPI, and Aliw Broadcasting Corp. Follow and Like PTM’s Facebook and Instagram pages @Philtravelmart. For more information, visit www.philtravelmart.com
Image credits: Bernard Testa
