The Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) is looking forward to welcoming travelers at the 35th Philippine Travel Mart, happening from September 6 to 8 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. They are thrilled to announce that this year’s three-day event will feature 300 exhibitors, the biggest number since the pandemic. For PHILTOA’s Board of Trustees, Philippine Travel Mart, the Philippines’ longest running travel fair, is a great opportunity to highlight popular and emerging destinations in the Philippines and to give local tourism a boost. “The 35th Philippine Travel Mart is the biggest collaboration of the country’s tourism players,” said Arjun P. Shroff, PHILTOA President.
The event will bring together tour operators, tourism offices, travel agencies, airlines, hotels and resorts. There you’ll find great travel packages, deals and discounts so you can have more adventures across the country, and in popular foreign places visited by Filipinos.
It’s a celebration of the beauty and culture of the Philippines—from Batanes to Zamboanga—and will showcase diverse destinations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao through its many pavilions. “Philippine Travel Mart always puts the spotlight on Philippine tourism. Every region has its booth representing their unique and beautiful destinations, rich culture, culinary delights and more to entice the public to visit,” said Harold S. Atondo, PHILTOA’S Secretary General.
“The 2024 Philippine Travel Mart offers a one-stop shop for travel enthusiasts to explore new destinations, plan their trips, and avail of exclusive discounts,” said Maria Lourdes F. Japson, PHILTOA’s 1st Vice President.
At the Philippine Travel Mart, you can go on a mini tour of the Philippines and tick off destinations on your bucket list at great prices. Some exhibitors will be participating at the Philippine Travel Mart for the first time this year, bringing fresh offerings and giving guests more options and travel opportunities to choose from.
“For three days, SMX will be the venue for all exhibitors to showcase the best of what the Philippines can offer any traveler,” said PHILTOA Treasurer Dina May Flores.
Japson said, “In the wake of the pandemic, tourism has evolved, with travelers now seeking more meaningful and responsible experiences. Reflecting this transformation, PHILTOA proudly presents the 35th Philippine Travel Mart’s theme: ‘Love the NextGen Tourism.’”
The theme emphasizes the importance of tourism practices that will benefit future generations.
NextGen Tourism has four pillars: Sustainability (“Embrace eco-friendly travel that protects our environment and supports local communities. ‘Travel today, treasure tomorrow,’” said Japson), Digitization (Enjoy smarter travel through AI planning, virtual reality explorations, and intuitive apps. ‘Digital travel means smarter travel.’), Inclusivity (“Engage in community-based tourism that empowers locals and celebrates diversity. ‘Travel that empowers.’”) and Health and Wellness. (“Find rejuvenating experiences that enhance well-being. ‘Travel that heals.’”)
Japson added, “Join us in shaping the future of tourism: sustainable, tech-savvy, inclusive, and health-focused. The future of travel is now.”
The three-day fair is your chance to book highly popular destinations and perhaps your old favorites but it’s also a great opportunity to discover new corners of the country to fall in love with and new experiences to enjoy. Favorite international destinations—Asia, the US, Europe and Australia—will be showcased as well.
“We not only shine the spotlight on our own country, we also allow the traveling public to explore other countries because we all know travel is the best educator, and it is to our national benefit if all Filipinos can travel and bring home the best global practices,” said PHILTOA’s 2nd Vice President Mary Ann F. Ong.
There are so many hidden gems for you to uncover at the Philippine Travel Mart. You can book tour packages in the Spratly Islands and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or make plans to go grape-picking in La Union or lemon-picking in La Union and Benguet.
Atondo said, “The Philippine Travel Mart is created for every Filipino. It’s for Filipino travelers, stakeholders, and a celebration of our ever-evolving tourism industry featuring tapestries, culinary offerings, and more.”
Last year, the Philippine Travel Mart drew over 60,000 travelers and visitors in search of their next adventures, generating P250 million in sales. “We expect the foot traffic to be greater this year,” said Shroff. “Attendees come to enjoy, look, book and buy.”
The Philippine Travel Mart is one way PHILTOA gives local tourism a boost. Shroff said, “PHILTOA has supported the Department of Tourism through the years by staging the Philippine Travel Mart. Through the event, we are able to empower all the regional members and partners to come meet their customers face to face. This creates a lot of jobs in the tourism industry to help support the nation’s tourism growth.”
While deals and packages for international trips will be available at the event, it is PHILTOA’s hope that Filipino travelers will also grab the chance to explore parts of the country they haven’t experienced before. Shroff said, “We should be the first to explore our beautiful and exotic islands that so many foreigners have been appreciating for so long. Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan.”
Going to the 35th Philippine Travel Mart? Here are some tips from PHILTOA’s Board of Trustees:
“Don’t miss the food tasting, the mini regional experiences, the performances of each region, and of course the great deals! Keep your ticket because you might just win a prize.” – Arjun P. Shroff, PHILTOA President
“Plan ahead by reviewing the list of exhibitors and schedule of activities to prioritize your visit. Bring essentials—a notebook, pen, and reusable bag for brochures and giveaways. Take part in interactive booths, cultural performances, and travel seminars. Look out for time-sensitive promotions and discounts available only during the fair. Use the opportunity to connect with travel industry professionals for insider tips and recommendations.” – Maria Lourdes F. Japson, PHILTOA’s 1st Vice President
“Come early in the day, when the sellers are not so busy yet, to have a more in-depth discussion and find the best deals.” – Mary Ann F. Ong, PHILTOA’s 2nd Vice President
“List down the destinations you want to visit, look for exhibitors offering those destinations and compare rates and offerings. Once you have chosen the best deals, be ready with your cash or credit cards to avail of the promos offered only during the three-day Philippine Travel Mart.” – Ely Casas, PHILTOA Trustee, Transportation
“Come early and come with lots of patience.” – Shanna Almazan, PHILTOA Trustee, Hotel Services
“Be open to new destinations showcased at the event, you might discover hidden gems or unique travel opportunities in your new destination. Enjoy the experience and the vibrant atmosphere of the Philippine Travel Mart. It’s not just about planning your next trip but also immersing yourself in the excitement and diversity of travel options available.” – Jinky T. Toribio, PHILTOA Trustee, Other Services
UnionBank credit card holders will enjoy exclusive travel perks and privileges at the forthcoming Philippine Travel Mart happening September 6-8, 2024 at the SMX Mall of Asia Convention Center in Pasay City. Aside from waived entrance fees for cardholders, UnionBank’s PAYEASY facility allows greater flexibility with 0% installment payment plans on exciting travel deals and packages from participating travel agencies, airlines and related travel products and services.
The Philippine Travel Mart runs from September 6 to 8, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Tickets may be purchased online at www.philtravelmart.com/buyticket. For more details, visit philtravelmart.com, email [email protected] and follow @philtravelmart on Facebook and Instagram and get a chance to win gift certificates from hotels, resorts, and tour operators.
The Philippine Travel Mart is co-presented by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board and sponsored by UnionBank, GCash, ITPI, and Philippine Airlines. Media partners: WhenInManila.com, SPOT.ph, BusinessMirror, Asian Journal/Balikbayan Magazine, Orange Magazine, and NEO Retro Radio 1059 FM.