MANILA – The Philippine Travel Mart (PTM), the longest running travel fair in the country, is set to open on Sept. 6, promising a larger set of exhibitors and “competitively-priced” packages for the traveling public.
The Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) said the three-day event, which will run until Sept. 8 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, will feature at least 300 exhibitors, their biggest number yet since the pandemic.
“The Philippine travel Mart has grown to be the biggest travel fair with a focus on local destinations, identifying and uplifting new and emerging destinations,” PHILTOA President Arjun Shroff said during the press launch on Wednesday.
“Last year we had Misamis Occidental, Marinduque, and Spratly Islands as our new localities to showcase their destinations. This year we will hype biodiversity in lesser known places,” he added.
The event will gather tour operators, tourism offices, travel agencies, airlines, hotels and resorts, which will offer event-exclusive travel packages, deals and discounts.
Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, one of the exhibitors present at the launch, said it would offer as much as 50 percent in discounts on stays, while the Philippine Airlines promised “special rates” for both domestic and international flights throughout the fair.
PHILTOA said this year’s PTM will also showcase how the sector is ready to embrace “NextGen” or Next Generation Tourism as the future of travel.
The group said NextGen Tourism focuses on practices that would shape and benefit the sector that has already witnessed massive shifts— from changing traveler preferences and behaviors— since the pandemic ended.
It includes making travel more sustainable and inclusive, investing on digitalization, and focusing on health and wellness, which is a top motivation for travelers when considering a destination to visit.
Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Nograles also endorsed the fair, while also citing her anticipation on its potential contribution to the country’s growing MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) sector.
“This year's Philippine Travel Mart comes at an opportune time to build on the momentum gained by the industry,” she said.
"The PTM has been crucial in the development of our MICE sector— various establishments have discovered tourism products that take their meetings, incentive travels, conventions and exhibitions to a whole new level. This is very much in line with the goals of MICE Philippines," she added.
In 2023, the PTM drew over 60,000 in foot traffic and generated PHP250 million in sales.
The entrance fee for the PTM during the event is at PHP100 but the organizers will sell the tickets at a pre-selling price of PHP80 via its online platform starting next week. (PNA)
