The 12th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) had a successful run, generating PHP 396 million from estimated business leads as well as PHP 1.3 million in actual sales for nationwide tourism stakeholders and weavers in its three-day run last October 13-15 at Robinsons Ilocos. The sales leads for this edition of RTF surpassed previous records, particularly with the upcoming launch of direct flights by Philippine Airlines between Cebu and Laoag which is set to take flight on December 15.
Organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the RTF aims to strengthen and promote domestic tourism by showcasing tourism products and services within their locality, in their neighboring provinces, and all other destinations through the various representatives of the DOT regional offices. This particular fair is a milestone project for the organization as it is one of the first national tourism events that the TPB held in the Ilocos region.
“The Tourism Promotions Board brings this event to different parts of our beautiful country, allowing host regions to shine, exhibit their local products, and showcase their unique destinations. This RTF is an opportunity for all of us to fall in love over and over again with the Philippines. We are thrilled to have this fair become everyone’s gateway to discover all that there is to love about the Ilocos region,” said TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Norgrales.
Around 70 sellers/exhibitors participated in the business-to-business (B2B) sessions to expand their networks and establish innovative travel-related offerings with buyers that have similar business goals. Local officials also shared insights on their current tourism situation so that interested stakeholders can discover the potential of the destinations within Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.
The 12th RTF also helped interested travelers find their next destination within the country during the business-to-consumer (B2C) sessions held on October 14-15, 2023. Exhibitors from different parts of the country presented discounted tour packages, airline tickets, accommodations, woven products, and other local goods to the public.
The welcome dinner which hosted both the buyers and sellers was graced by key members of TPB management and partners in government reassuring the stakeholders of the commitment of support for tourism stakeholders. Present during the event were TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, Laoag Mayor Michael Marcos Keon, DOT Regional Office I OIC Evangeline Dadat, DOT Region 10 Regional Director Marie Elaine Unchuan, Provincial Tourism Officer of Ilocos Norte Xavier Ruiz, and TPB Domestic Promotions Department Manager Teresita Landan.
After the three-day affair, TPB members joined a post-event tour that brought them to top attractions within the region. The members were given the opportunity to choose either an experience of the rich culture and heritage of Baccara and Paoay, or experience a thrilling adventure through a tour of Laoag. This tour serves as an opportunity for sellers to also craft tour packages of Ilocos as they go back to their respective regions.
The 12th RTF in Ilocos was made possible through the collaboration of the TPB, DOT Region I, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, the City Government of San Nicolas, and the City Government of Laoag. The event was also made possible through the event partners of the TPB, which are Robinsons Ilocos, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines.