By Mariela Angella Oladive
ROXAS CITY—The 14th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) officially opened on October 18 at the Circulo Convention Center in Capiz, aiming to strengthen partnerships within the domestic tourism industry through a Business-to-Business (B2B) session.
The event, organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT), brought together 49 buyers and 65 sellers and exhibitors, fostering flexible, dynamic interactions without pre-scheduled appointments.
The RTF highlights local tourism products and services, aligning with TPB’s goal of positioning the Philippines as a premier travel destination.
Teresita D.L. Landan, Acting Head of TPB’s Office of the Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Marketing and Promotions, underscored the importance of collaboration during the opening.
“Our gathering today aims to enhance the tourism industry. The Business-to-Business session highlights the vital connections between buyers and sellers in promoting the Philippines as a prime destination. Let’s seize this opportunity to build strong partnerships,” Landan said.
DOT Region VI Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez also emphasized the fair’s role in connecting tourism stakeholders to promote local offerings.
“The focus of this fair is on domestic buyers. While we have other fairs aimed at international markets, our intention is to connect national tour operators with regional operators so they can interact with each other,” Rodriguez stated.
She stressed the importance of partnerships between national and regional operators to expand domestic routes and promote lesser-known destinations.
“With the rise in new domestic flight routes, it’s important that we connect operators from different regions to create seamless travel experiences and enhance route viability,” Rodriguez added.
The RTF, which travels to various provinces, began in General Santos City earlier this year and now moves to Capiz.
“We have seen strong support from the province. The DOT’s mandate is to assist LGUs in developing tourism products and promoting these both domestically and internationally,” Rodriguez said.
Capiz, chosen as the host due to its cultural richness and reputation as the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines,” will also host Business-to-Consumer (B2C) sessions on October 19 and 20 at Robinsons Roxas, offering discounted travel packages, airline tickets, and accommodations.
Rodriguez highlighted Capiz’s emerging culinary tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) potential as part of its growing tourism strategy.
