The Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) for this year has posted over P172 million in business sales, a record-breaking sale in travel bookings in just two days according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said on Saturday, Oct. 22, that the PHITEX is proof of excitement on the part of travelers after the Covid-19 pandemic which was marked with lockdowns and restrictions.
Citing data from the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), which spearheaded the 21st year of the PHITEX travel trade on Oct. 19 to 20, the travel expo has recorded a total of P172,602,851 in business sales.
According to TPB, this year's sales record surpassed previous years' sales even during the pre-pandemic travel trade when it lodged P94.8 million in 2018 and P46 million in 2019.
During the pandemic edition, the TPB recorded its hybrid format in 2020 and 2021, slowing sales of P43 million and P69 million, respectively.
"The impressive turnout of buyers and sellers, and the record-breaking numbers encapsulate the positive outlook for our country and growing interest in our destinations," said Frasco.
"As we embark on an aggressive campaign to revive our tourism industry and roll-out never seen before projects that will facilitate an enhanced connectivity into and around the Philippines, and provide a more convenient and seamless travel experience for guests, we anticipate more interest from local and international tourism stakeholders," she added.
This year's PHITEX expo event was conducted in a hybrid format with international buyers and local sellers participating in on-site business-to-business meetings held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City and was also held online on a virtual platform.
Of the 116 buyers representing 32 countries, 53 were physically present, and 63 participated virtually.
The negotiated sales were computed from the sellers' sales leads reports in both confirmed and pencil-booked sales.
The record shows that 80 percent of the international buyers are scheduled to travel in six post-event tour circuits: Cebu-Bohol, Negros Oriental-Siquijor, Ilocos, CALABARZON, Davao, and Metro Manila.
Meanwhile, TPB Chief Operating Officer Margarita Nograles said: "We are so proud of the collective efforts of our TPB team, our partners and sponsors, our stakeholders, and our suppliers who mounted this successful event".
"This is the biggest negotiated sales generated by PHITEX in all its years and we are seeing more leads coming in. Secretary Frasco has always emphasized the importance and opportunity in equitably promoting all our regions and not just our popular destinations," said Nograles.