Filipinos all over the world look forward to the ‘Ber months not just because by then Christmas season is in full swing in the Philippines, but also because so many Filipinos based abroad will be flying back home to the motherland—to reunite with family and friends, to eat delicious Filipino food, and to explore the many beautiful destinations around the country.
So it’s perfect timing that the Philippines’ longest-running travel fair, the Philippine Travel Mart will take place right on the first week of the ‘Ber months, from Sept. 6 to 8, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center within the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City, Metro Manila. Organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the 35th Philippine Travel Mart will offer great travel packages, deals, and discounts so you and your family back home could have more adventures around the country and even international destinations favored by Filipinos, like Japan and South Korea.
The Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) is a leading organization in the travel and tourism industry that advocates for the promotion and development of domestic and international tourism in the Philippines. Comprising tour operators, travel agencies, and tourism enterprises from all regions, PHILTOA plays a pivotal role in advancing the country’s tourism sector. Philippine Travel Mart highlights popular and emerging destinations in the Philippines, with the support of the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board.
What to expect at the Philippine Travel Mart
The Philippine Travel Mart is a celebration of the beauty and culture of the Philippines through the years. The fair became popular for showcasing diverse destinations in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with its grand regional pavilions. “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.
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.
“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.
This year, it will bring together almost 300 tour operators, tourism offices, travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and resorts in one event, and they are ready to help make your travel dreams come true. Last year, the Philippine Travel Mart drew approximately 60,000 travelers and visitors in search of their next adventures.
Among the exhibitors you can look forward to seeing and booking from at the event are Megaworld Hotels, Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, Discovery hotels and resorts; the City Government of Puerto Princesa, Provincial Governments of Palawan, Batanes, Camiguin, Ilocos Norte, Samar, and many other local government units; Pacific Cross Insurance, Inc.; Philippine Airlines (which will offer airfare discounts and exclusive deals, including their new direct flights to Seattle, USA); and other resorts and hotels around the Philippines including Metro Manila, Tagaytay, Iloilo, and beach destinations like Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, and Siargao, among so many others.
Attendees can also look forward to lots of exciting giveaways and raffle prizes up for grabs, including overnight up to 3-days/2-nights stays from participating hotels, resorts, and tour operators.
What is NextGen Tourism?
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.’” With this year’s theme, you can look forward to getting the best of the following tourism trends: Sustainability, Digitalization, Inclusivity, and Health and Wellness. 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,” 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”), 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.”
As part of the event’s digitization efforts, attendees are encouraged to register and pay for their tickets to the travel mart online as they will be using electronic ticketing. Pre-selling ticket price is at PHP80, with on-site ticket prices at PHP100 (corresponding discounts for seniors, students, and PWD will apply). There will also be onsite registration, which attendees can do even while in line, for QR entry scanning.
At the event, exhibitors will offer seamless, cashless payment, some even with installment options. So even if you won’t be in the Philippines by Sept. 6-8, you can still ask your family or friends to attend and buy travel deals for you. They can just send you the payment link so you can still avail the deals and discounts even while you’re abroad—and your family trip would have been booked before you even arrive in the Philippines!
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.
How much of the Philippines have you already explored? Last year, attendees got the chance to book tour packages from all corners of the Philippines, including the Spratly Islands and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. This year, uncover even more hidden gems in addition to these, like grape-picking in La Union or lemon-picking in La Union and Benguet. A number of exhibitors will also sell packages to popular international destinations in Asia, the US, Europe, and Australia.
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. PHILTOA President Arjun P. 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.”
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.”
Tips for Philippine Travel Mart attendees
Going to the 35th Philippine Travel Mart? Here are some tips from PHILTOA’s Board of Trustees:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 promos offered only during the three-day Philippine Travel Mart.
Visit philtravelmart.com, email [email protected], and follow @philtravelmart on Facebook for more details and updates on deals, packages, and even raffle prizes you can look forward to when you attend.
