Melo Villareal
Media Launch for the 29th Philippine Travel Mart Held in Samar and Leyte
(Manila, Philippines) The biggest event in the travel industry Philippine Travel Mart 2018 is happening soon and PHILTOA sponsored a familiarization tour in Samar and Leyte. It was a 4-day tour where we saw different attractions of the two provinces.
The province of Samar has made headlines for the most unsettling of reasons. But despite the devastating trials that sullied its rugged yet peaceful terrain, its people remain hopeful that a time will soon come when Samar shall be known for enduring past ordeals and emerging as a bastion of progress. We visited some of the most notable places in the province and saw the efforts of LGU’s and the local community to improve their way of life through tourism. We went to Samar Archeological and Cultural Museum, Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge in Basey, Saob Cave, Tarangban Falls, Bangon Falls, Calbayog City, and The Coral Reef Beach Resort.
Leyte is located in the northern part of Leyte Island. It’s a province of the Eastern Visayas Region and the locals speak Waray-Waray, Cebuano, Baybayanon, and Filipino. Tacloban City is the capital of Leyte and can be found at the west of Samar Island while the province of Cebu can be found at its west side.
The province of Leyte is where Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hit hard in November 8, 2013, and it devastated the whole province even attracting numerous help both tangible and intangible from the whole world.
We were able to see the San Juanico Bridge, MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Palo Cathedral, Villaconzoilo Farm, and Kalanggaman Island.
Our visit to Kalanggaman Island is an inspiring one as we discovered that the island maintains its pristine condition through Sustainable Tourism. Raoul T. Bacalla – MENRO officer of Palompon where Kalanggaman is located gave us a product update. The municipality of Palompon surely deserves praises for developing the island without sacrificing Mother Nature.
Mr. Cesar Cruz, PHILTOA president was amazed by their efforts and how they maintained the natural beauty of the island.
About the 29th Philippine Travel Mart 2018
Travelers should get ready for the most promising travel event of the year. Only a few days left and everyone can enjoy what Philippine Travel Mart has to offer. It starts on August 31, Friday. It’s a three-day event which will end on September 2, 2018.
The expo is the longest running travel event of PHILTOA and PTM promises exciting programs and promos. The organization promotes domestic and inbound tourism very strongly. It’s where local and foreign tourists can spend time looking for discounted promos related to travel. Included in the event are ASEAN destinations and its three strategic partner countries (China, Japan, Korea).
What to Expect on the 29th Philippines Travel Mart
The theme of PTM 2018 “New Paradise Found…. and the Fun Continues” is an offshoot of the rehabilitation of Boracay whom we thought has been a “paradise lost”. PTM’s goal is to promote the new Boracay Island and be a gateway for other new destinations in the country and other ASEAN destinations. The destinations included in PTM are places and attractions practicing responsible tourism and must adhere to the regulations of PHILTOA.
Batanes remains a star destination for three years evident by the long cue for their discounted fares and packages. Also among the top local destinations are Coron, Boracay, Ilocos, and Bohol while Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand are the top favorites for the APT (ASEAN+3) destinations.
The destinations to watch out for in the Philippines are Siargao, Carles (Iloilo), Capiz, Clark (Pampanga), Subic and Zambales and Camiguin and Siquijor. There are also up and coming destinations like Romblon, Marinduque, La Union, Catanduanes, Sorsogon and many more. The Sale ng Bayan is the venue at the event for checking out these exciting places and availing of discounted tour packages. The PTM event last year made a combined sale of almost Php150M.
Guests of the event can see and avail tourism products from different local communities that will be showcased at the 29th Philippine Travel Mart.
Philippine Travel Mart Schedule of Activities
- Business Meetings – Aims to get new clients at the event
- Sale ng Bayan – Aims to offer consumers “book and buy” promos for airfares, accommodations and other promos related to travel during the three-day event. It includes Island Fun Tour Caravan and “bucket list” destination packages with up to 70% off.
- There will be shows at the event which include school-based performances like Eco Chorale, Harana ng Kundiman, Patimpalak ng Kasuotang Pilipino, Cultural Dance Competition and the Philippine Tourism Quiz Bee Finals.
The 29th Philippine Travel Mart aims to show the world what the Philippines has to offer through this event as well as working hand in hand with its ASEAN friends and strategic partner countries (China, Japan, Korea) to promote stronger tourism and sustainable tourism practices in all the places involved.
The event will be featuring 250 exhibitors from 215 last year and will occupy a huge space at the SMX Convention Center (Halls 1-4), Pasay City. It is co-presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in cooperation with Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB Philippines). Their broadband partner is PLDT and the official credit card company is Metrobank.
