The longest-running interactive tourism expo is back with new offers for excited travelers
Letsgoph.com |Renewed with the hope of the tourism industry gaining strength after lockdowns brought about by the pandemic, the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), Inc. announces the return of the Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) for its 33rd year.
The Philippine Tour Operators Association, Inc. (PHILTOA), an organization of tour operators and allied members actively involved in the advocacy of responsible tourism founded in 1986, aims to become the “leading inbound and domestic tourism association with global networks actively contributing to national economic growth” by forging “national and global affiliations and alliances with tourism-related associations and organizations… [and] providing members with dynamic and proactive education and training, product development, programs, and fellowship [for] the common good of Philippine Tourism”. PHILTOA launched the Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) in 1994, under the initiative of the Department of Tourism, as a way to fulfill its mission and vision.
After a two-year hiatus, this year’s PTM theme is “Safe Travels”. With at least 70 million Filipinos fully vaccinated and tourism outlets welcoming foreign tourists, a safer and more relaxed environment awaits eager travelers looking for memorable tropical adventures. They call it “revenge travel”, a way to get back at isolation and boredom while responsibly exploring new trails or planning a much-awaited return to a beloved place.
“It is with great joy and excitement that we invite everyone to the biggest Philippine Travel Mart to date. We’ve been waiting for a long time, and now is the perfect time to travel again, support local businesses, and explore the Philippines and beyond,” shares PHILTOA President Ms. Fe Abling-Yu.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The three-day travel expo starts on September 30. It will feature over 200 exhibitions from local and international participants showcasing exclusive domestic and international travel packages, some of which offer the best bang for every traveler’s buck. With sustainable tourism and community engagement in mind, the PTM only partners with reputable agencies and businesses.
Every year it is part of the expo’s mission to highlight new discoveries for travelers to explore while also showcasing the best islands in the archipelago: from award-winning islands recognized worldwide to cultural hotspots to experience the rich and vivid history and culture of Filipinos. With all regions of the Philippines participating in the three-day event, it is the best place to know more about the wonders of Luzon, the riches of Visayas, and the colors of Mindanao.
Local tourism is at the forefront of the expo with a zone designated for different offers: Yellow Zone for MICE and Entertainment; Blue Zone for Beach, Cruise, and Marine Sports; Green Zone for Cultural and Agro/Farm/Eco-Tourism; and Pink Zone for Health, Wellness, and Culinary. Each zone is bursting with information and offers from duly accredited tour and travel agencies, hotels, and resorts, theme parks, airlines, as well as provincial and regional agencies.
“There are many reasons to explore the Philippines and our ASEAN neighbors. We hope visitors will find amazing deals at PTM, as well as gain more knowledge about our own country. We have interactive booths highlighting Philippine regions, and the biggest among them will be the Mindanao exhibition,” says Ms. Abling-Yu.
Travelers of all ages and budget levels will find something to explore at PTM with ASEAN tour packages in breathtaking Bali, historic Siem Reap, and bustling Ho Chi Minh. More packages in must-visit Asian destinations like Japan, China, and South Korea are also available at the expo.
Taking the expo to more high-tech and convenient heights, visitors can scan the QR codes of exhibitors to find their locations as well as conduct paperless transactions.
Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, solo or with a group, the Philippine Travel Mart will give you more reasons to pack those bags and explore.
The 33rd Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) is happening from September 30 to October 2, 2022, at the SMX Convention Center Manila (Halls 1 – 4), Seashell Lane, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. The travel fair is co-presented by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board and supported by Diamond sponsor Bank of the Philippine Islands, Silver sponsor AirAsia, and Bronze sponsor Cebu Pacific.
For more information about PTM, visit www.philtravelmart.com. For the complete schedule and exhibition layout, visit www.philtravelmart.com/exhibition-layout. For inquiries, contact the PHILTOA Secretariat at (632) 8812-4513, (632) 8822-6964, (632) 8925-6265, (+63) 922-816-2772, or email philtravelmart@philtoa.com.
