Discover hidden gems at the 35th Philippine Travel Mart

The 35th Philippine Travel Mart, organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), will captivate travel enthusiasts from September 6 to 8 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. As the country’s longest-running travel fair, this event offers an immersive experience, highlighting popular destinations while uncovering the hidden gems of the Philippines.

The spotlight on emerging destinations

The fair celebrates the rich beauty and culture of the Philippines, spanning from Batanes to Zamboanga. Through its numerous pavilions, it will feature a variety of destinations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

A key highlight of this year’s travel mart is the focus on lesser-known destinations. In the spirit of sustainability and responsible tourism, PHILTOA is shining a light on places that are often overlooked but brimming with potential, encouraging travelers to venture beyond the usual tourist spots.

“Philippine Travel Mart has grown to be the biggest travel fair with a focus on local destinations, identifying and uplifting new and emerging destinations,” says PHILTOA President Arjun Shroff.

“Last year, we had Misamis Occidental, Marinduque, and Spratly Islands as our new localities to showcase their destinations.”

Shroff highlighted that visitors at the 35th Philippine Travel Mart will have the opportunity to explore the biodiversity of places like Bauang and Naguilian in La Union. These places are famed for their unique experiences, such as grape-picking, forest hikes, and bamboo-crafting activities. They serve as tranquil getaways while also promoting sustainable tourism that benefits local communities.

He also mentioned the Cordillera Administrative Region in the northern Philippines, which offers farm tourism with the added allure of strawberry wine harvests.

These places showcase the diverse experiences that the Philippines has to offer—way beyond the usual tourist spots. It’s a chance for travelers to connect with the land and its people in a more meaningful way.

All photos courtesy of Philippine Travel Mart

A one-stop shop for travel enthusiasts

With over 300 exhibitors, the Philippine Travel Mart is the largest gathering of tourism players since the pandemic. From tour operators to tourism offices, travel agencies, airlines, hotels and resorts, the event provides a one-stop shop for travel enthusiasts to discover exciting deals.

“The 2024 Philippine Travel Mart offers a one-stop shop for travel enthusiasts to explore new destinations, plan their trips, and avail of exclusive discounts,” says Maria Lourdes F. Japson, PHILTOA’s 1st Vice President.

Engaging experiences await

Experience a mini tour of the Philippines at the 2024 Philippine Travel Mart. This year, numerous first-time exhibitors are adding fresh, exciting offerings, expanding your travel choices and opening up new places to explore.

“For three days, SMX will be the venue for all exhibitors to showcase the best of what the Philippines can offer any traveler,” says PHILTOA Treasurer Dina May Flores.

“Every region has its booth representing their unique and beautiful destinations, rich culture, culinary delights, and more to entice the public to visit,” notes Harold S. Atondo, PHILTOA’S Secretary General.

Love the NextGen Tourism

This year’s theme, “Love the NextGen Tourism,” captures the evolving landscape of travel. It highlights four pillars that are shaping the future of tourism:

• Sustainability: Encouraging eco-friendly travel that protects the environment, conserves natural resources, and supports local economies.
• Digitization: Leveraging technology for more innovative travel planning and enhanced experiences through AI and virtual reality.
• Inclusivity: Promoting tourism that empowers communities and celebrates diversity.
• Health and Wellness: Offering travel experiences that rejuvenate mind and body.

These pillars reflect a shift towards more mindful travel experiences, where the focus is on quality, connection, and positive impact.

Tips for making the most of your visit to Philippine Travel Mart 2024

For those planning to attend, PHILTOA offers several tips to maximize the experience:

• Plan ahead. Check the list of exhibitors and schedule of activities to prioritize your visit.
• Come early. Beat the crowds for a more personal experience with exhibitors.
• Bring essentials. A notebook, pen, and reusable bag will be handy for collecting information and giveaways.
• Be open. Discover lesser-known destinations and unique travel opportunities.
• Engage with booths. Participate in interactive experiences for a deeper understanding of each destination.
• Look for exclusive deals: Many discounts are time-sensitive and only available during the fair.
• Explore new destinations: Keep an open mind and discover the potential of lesser-known locales.

“Don’t miss the food tasting, the mini regional experiences, the performances of each region, and, of course, the great deals! Keep your ticket because you might just win a prize.” – PHILTOA President Arjun Shroff

For more information, visit philtravelmart.com, email philtravelmart@philtoa.com, or follow @philtravelmart on Facebook and Instagram.