By Mariela Angella Oladive
The 14th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) concluded on a high note, generating PHP348.5 million in sales leads and securing PHP20.67 million in negotiated deals, further boosting tourism growth in the Philippines.
The three-day event, held from October 18 to 20, attracted 49 buyers and an estimated 4,000 visitors.
Organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the fair drew both local and international tourism stakeholders, including key players from hotels, resorts, and various provinces.
Among the event’s highlights were the Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) sessions. The B2B meetings facilitated 5,167 interactions between local tourism operators and buyers, leading to PHP20.67 million in negotiated deals.
The B2C sessions provided a platform for visitors to engage directly with tourism businesses, allowing them to explore travel deals and offerings firsthand. These interactions not only generated sales leads but also introduced consumers to emerging destinations and local products from different regions.
Capiz, as the host province, showcased its cultural and natural heritage, underscoring its growing reputation as a prime destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
DOT Region VI Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez said the fair highlighted both Capiz and the entire country as thriving hubs for travel and tourism.
“Together with the TPB, we aim to provide equal opportunities and exposure to all areas with potential and emerging destinations. Seeing the effort of Capiz in promoting and developing their tourism products, it made sense to host the event here,” she said.
Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas expressed optimism about the fair’s role in promoting the province.
“This event has been an excellent platform for Capiz and the entire Western Visayas to showcase their tourism potential, beyond the major destinations,” he said.
The fair featured 25 invited stakeholders from DOT Region VI, nine hotels and resorts, and seven presenter provinces.
