The twelfth Regional Travel Fair Reaches Record-High Sales
The twelfth Regional Travel Fair (RTF) had a successful run, generating PHP 396 million from estimated business leads in addition to PHP 1.3 million in actual sales for nationwide tourism stakeholders and weavers in its three-day run last October 13-15 at Robinsons Ilocos. The sales leads for this edition of RTF surpassed previous records, particularly with the upcoming launch of direct flights by Philippine Airlines between Cebu and Laoag which is about to take flight on December 15.
Organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the RTF goals to strengthen and promote domestic tourism by showcasing tourism services inside their locality, of their neighboring provinces, and all other destinations through the varied representatives of the DOT regional offices. This particular fair is a milestone project for the organization because it is one among the primary national tourism events that the TPB held within the Ilocos region.
“The Tourism Promotions Board brings this event to different parts of our beautiful country, allowing host regions to shine, exhibit their local products, and showcase their unique destinations. This RTF is a possibility for all of us to fall in love over and all over again with the Philippines. We’re thrilled to have this
fair grow to be everyone’s gateway to find all that there’s to like concerning the Ilocos region,” said TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Norgrales.
Around 70 sellers/exhibitors participated within the business-to-business (B2B) sessions to expand their networks and establish modern travel-related offerings with buyers which have similar business goals. Local officials also shared insights on their current tourism situation in order that interested stakeholders can discover the potential of the destinations inside Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.
The twelfth RTF also helped interested travelers find their next destination throughout the country throughout the business-to-consumer (B2C) sessions held on October 14-15, 2023. Exhibitors from different parts of the country presented discounted tour packages, airline tickets, accommodations, woven products, and other local goods to the general public.
The welcome dinner which hosted each the buyers and sellers was graced by key members of TPB management and partners in government reassuring the stakeholders of the commitment of support for tourism stakeholders. Present throughout the event were TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, Laoag Mayor Michael Marcos Keon, DOT Regional Office I OIC Evangeline Dadat, DOT Region 10 Regional Director Marie Elaine Unchuan, Provincial Tourism Officer of Ilocos Norte Xavier Ruiz, and TPB Domestic Promotions Department Manager Teresita Landan.
After the three-day affair, TPB members joined a post-event tour that brought them to top attractions throughout the region. The members got the chance to decide on either an experience of the wealthy culture and heritage of Baccara and Paoay, or experience an exciting adventure through a tour of Laoag. This tour serves as a possibility for sellers to also craft tour packages of Ilocos as they return to their respective regions.
The twelfth RTF in Ilocos was made possible through the collaboration of the TPB, DOT Region I, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, the City Government of San Nicolas, and the City Government of Laoag. The event was also made possible through the event partners of the TPB, that are Robinsons Ilocos, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines.
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Read: #VisitCentralVisayas: TPB and DOT bring eleventh Regional Travel Fair to Cebu
