Melo Villareal
11th Regional Travel Fair surpasses pre-pandemic performance, hits over PHP 110M in sales
It’s no secret that the travel industry suffered much during the COVID-19 pandemic. But thankfully, the industry has started to recover as more tourist destinations opened in the past years. The public health emergency has just recently been lifted too. It definitely showed during the 11th Regional Travel Fair held at SM City Seaside Cebu from July 21 to 23, where the said fair surpassed its pre-pandemic performance. With over Php 110 million in actual and negotiated sales, the travel fair outshined its previous sales figure by 32.97%.
With this, Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles expressed her elation at this year’s Regional Travel Fair. “We are thrilled to witness the overwhelming response and enthusiasm from exhibitors and visitors during the Regional Travel Fair. The outstanding sales leads signal a bright future for the tourism industry in the post-pandemic era and reaffirm travelers’ confidence in the safety of their travels.”
This year’s theme is #VisitCentralVisayas, spotlighting the discoveries in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. Let us see what the fair offered to the guests and travel goers who attended the Regional Travel Fair!
Engaging B2B sessions
Part of the 11th Regional Travel Fair is the business-to-business (B2B) sessions wherein industry professionals gather to share the latest industry trends and best practices. It’s also the opportunity to network with other business owners and innovate travel operations. These sessions are the best ways to gain new knowledge of the travel industry in the Philippines. Also part of the B2B sessions are the tourism offices of Central Visayas from Cebu, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu City, Squijor, Negros Oriental, and Bohol with their product updates.
Discounted tour packages
Of course, no travel fair ends without the much-awaited travel discounts! From July 22 to 23, many visitors and travel enthusiasts enjoyed and took advantage of the travel offerings at the travel fair. From discounted tour packages in new and emerging destinations to accommodation, airline tickets, and even souvenir items, fairgoers were immensely delighted to explore what Central Visayas offers more than its usual destinations.
Southern Cebu immersive experience
Lastly, one of the highlights of the Regional Travel Fair is the Southern Cebu experience, where the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) members, stakeholders, influencers, and media partners were treated to a delightful tour of Argao and Carcar in Cebu. On this trip, we could see and taste the different cultures and culinary offerings this part of Cebu offers. It was indeed a beautiful way to discover the heritage of Cebu, one we weren’t very familiar with. Indeed, Central Visayas is full of destinations to watch out for in the coming years!
What’s Next for the Regional Travel Fair
After the successful #VisitCentralVisayas fair, all roads lead to Northern Luzon— an even bigger and better regional travel fair is set to be held in the Ilocos Region, so stay tuned! Planning to travel locally for this and next year’s travel goals? Mark your calendars for the next Regional Travel Fair to score great travel deals as you explore the Philippines!
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