Record-breaking Sales Achieved at the 12th Regional Travel Fair
The 12th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) demonstrated remarkable success, generating PHP 396 million from estimated business leads and PHP 1.3 million in actual sales for nationwide tourism stakeholders and weavers during its three-day run from October 13-15 at Robinsons Ilocos. The sales leads for this edition of RTF surpassed previous records, especially with the impending launch of direct flights by Philippine Airlines between Cebu and Laoag scheduled for December 15.
Organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the RTF aims to bolster and promote domestic tourism by highlighting tourism products and services within their respective regions, neighboring provinces, and other destinations through the different representatives of the DOT regional offices. This particular fair is a significant project for the organization, being one of the first national tourism events that the TPB held in 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 an opportunity for all of us to fall in love over and over again with the Philippines. We are thrilled to have this
fair become everyone’s gateway to discover all that there is to love about the Ilocos region,” said TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Norgrales.
About 70 sellers/exhibitors partook in the business-to-business (B2B) sessions to expand their networks and develop innovative travel-related offerings with buyers pursuing similar business objectives. Local officials also provided insights on their current tourism status, allowing interested stakeholders to explore the potential of the destinations within Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.
The 12th RTF also assisted interested travelers in finding their next destination within the country during the business-to-consumer (B2C) sessions held on October 14-15, 2023. Exhibitors from various parts of the country presented discounted tour packages, airline tickets, accommodations, woven products, and other local goods to the public.
The welcoming dinner, attended by both the buyers and sellers, was graced by key members of TPB management and government partners, reinforcing the commitment of support for tourism stakeholders. Present during 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.
Following the three-day event, TPB members participated in a post-event tour, visiting top attractions within the region. Members had the choice of experiencing the rich culture and heritage of Baccara and Paoay or embarking on a thrilling adventure through a tour of Laoag. This tour served as an opportunity for sellers to create tour packages of Ilocos as they returned to their respective regions.
The 12th 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, which are Robinsons Ilocos, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines.