15th Regional Travel Fair in Tuguegarao City highlights northeastern Luzon’s cultural and natural riches

The 15th Regional Travel Fair (RTF), organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, successfully concluded its run in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, with PHP 116.4 million in sales leads and PHP 7.1 million in actual negotiated sales. Held from August 15 to 17, 2025, the travel fair brought together public and private tourism stakeholders through immersive tours, strategic business networking, and consumer engagement.

The RTF served as a key platform that promoted tourism in the provinces of Region II, including Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino.

“Bringing the 15th Regional Travel Fair to Tuguegarao demonstrates our commitment to showcase the country’s stunning destinations and to foster the growth of domestic tourism,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “Cagayan Valley’s traditions and breathtaking landscapes offer travelers a truly immersive experience, and the RTF was a venue for us to connect local tourism stakeholders with a broader market. It’s through these strategic engagements that we build momentum in making intra-country tourism more visible.”

The business-to-business (B2B) sessions on August 15 at the Pulsar Hotel and Convention Center drew 50 buyers and 53 sellers/exhibitors, facilitating over 1,400 business appointments. Regional tour operators, travel providers, and local government tourism offices forged partnerships and introduced curated travel offerings to boost Region II’s inbound tourism. Furthermore, Cagayan Governor Edgar Aglipay attended the opening of the B2B sessions, showing strong support for the tourism sector.

Meanwhile, the business-to-consumer (B2C) fair at Robinsons Tuguegarao on August 16–17 drew around 2,500 visitors who availed of discounted travel packages, airline tickets, accommodation deals, and local crafts. The fair’s opening ceremony was graced by DOT Region II Director Dr. Troy Alexander Miano, DOT Region XI Assistant Director Judy Colaljo, DOT Region XII Assistant Director Armin Hautea, and TPB officials Arnold T. Gonzales, Marivic M. Sevilla, and Cesar R. Villanueva.

Fair attendees also enjoyed interactive games like Travel Bingo and presentations from DOT regional offices and sponsors. Insightful talks on women empowerment and disaster preparedness in tourism were also among the fair’s highlights.

Complementing the formal sessions were curated tours in Tuguegarao City and nearby destinations. Delegates enjoyed a scenic trek in Callao Cave and a cruise along the Pinacanauan River. Meanwhile, historical landmarks, such as the Horno Ruins and the Cagayan Museum, showed the city’s rich heritage. Participants completed their tours with a visit to Ilagan City, which offered further insight into the region’s eco-tourism practices and community-based attractions.

The success of the 15th RTF in Tuguegarao City was made possible through the collaboration of the Department of Tourism Region II, the Province of Cagayan, Tuguegarao City, Ilagan City, and partners, including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, 2GO, and Robinsons Tuguegarao.

As the Regional Travel Fair continues to spotlight the Philippines’ diverse destinations, TPB is pleased to announce that the next RTF will be held in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on November 14 to 16, 2025. Known for its marvelous seascapes and ecological wonders, Palawan offers an inspiring backdrop for the RTF’s ongoing mission to strengthen regional tourism and connect travelers with meaningful local experiences.