Melo Villareal
Philippine Travel Mart 2012
Earlier, I was lucky to witness the Philippine Travel Mart 2012 grand opening at SMX in Mall of Asia. From the welcome fun reception to the Ribbon Cutting, the upbeat sound and the dancing crowd prove that Filipinos are really fun-loving people.
After the ribbon cutting, everyone proceeded to the activity center for the invocation, national anthem, and opening remarks from this year’s Philippine Travel Mart Chairman and the current President of PHILTOA – Mr. Cesar Cruz.
I was thrilled to see some of my favorite DOT Regional Directors like Director Blesilda Diwa of Region 2 and Director Maria “Nini” Ravanilla from the Bicol region, and of course, how can I forget friends I met from my previous trips. It was like a reunion… a huge reunion!
With two long weekends providing much-needed rest in the busy month of August, many are already deciding where to make the most of these working-schedule breathing spaces. But what most people do not know is that August isn’t just one of the best months to go out and travel. The 3-day Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) opening is also the best time to plan and book trips year-round.
Now in its 23rd year, the Philippine Travel Mart has undoubtedly become the most significant annual 3-day gathering of tour operators, hotels, resorts, and travel-related industries from all over the country. With over 250 exhibitors occupying all 4 halls of the SMX Convention Center in Pasay from August 10 until the 12th, there’s no shortage of options for travelers of all types.
It doesn’t matter if you want a quiet retreat or a thrilling adventure; whether you’re planning your honeymoon or just going out with friends, you’re bound to find that perfect holiday—at the best rates only available this time of the year!
The show must go on!
Overcoming inclement weather, the much-awaited 23rd Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) opened to the delight of travelers planning to look for the best travel deals exclusively available at the PTM. Exhibitors from all over the country stood testament to the unbreakable spirit of the tourism industry as they came out with beautiful displays of Philippine destinations following days of gloomy weather.
The event is not without social cause, however. The organizing committee has decided to donate a percentage of the gate proceeds to the victims of the recent calamity and has also used the event to solicit donations in cash and in-kind—attendees are encouraged to drop their share in donation boxes at the registration area.
Newer, more exciting packages
With all the regional directors of the Department of Tourism in attendance, the longest-running travel trade show in the country showcases the Philippines like never before in the Sale ng Bayan. Organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the Sale ng Bayan this year features Philippine Island Fun Caravan Getaways”—joint group tours that cover various locations from all over the Philippines. These 4-day to 8-day tours pool local, balikbayan, and foreign tourists together to avail of special packages that would have otherwise cost a lot of money if done individually.
Featured tours include the Batanes-Cagayan Northernscape, Cordilleras Cultural Weekend Warrior Caravan, Central Visayas Backdoor tour, and the Tuna-T’Boli trail. How’s that for an affordable treat?
Like most trade shows, the PTM will still feature classic destinations like Bohol, Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan. Also not to be missed are the individual tour packages that have anywhere from 70% to 80% discounted prices, such as “Kulinarya” (Binondo food trip for as low as P648), “Health and Wellness” (Tagaytay Wellness trip for as low as P2900), “Festivals” (Panagbenga trip for as low as P5500), and many more.
Aside from the endless array of tour products in the country’s biggest gathering of tour operators, there’s an Eco Chorale Competition, a Folk Dance Competition, and even a Tourism Quiz Bee—ensuring educational activities for everyone in attendance.
It’s more fun in the Philippines!
The Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), Inc. is a non-stock and non-profit organization of tour operators and allied members actively advocating responsible tourism. The membership includes travel agencies, hotels, resorts, transportation companies, handicraft stores, and other tourism-oriented establishments and associations. For more information on the 23rd Philippine Travel Mart, visit <www.philtoa.org>.
