The marketing and promotion arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Friday, Nov. 4, underscored the booming turnout of this year's Regional Travel Fair (RTF) held recently in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

DOT Undersecretary Atty. Mae Elaine Bathan said the 10th RTF — conducted from Oct. 27 to 30 — focused on promoting the CALABARZON region, which is composed of the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).

“For the 10th Regional Travel Fair, we focused on CALABARZON, a region that has shown a very meaningful manifestation of resilience throughout the crucial times in our country’s development,” said Bathan, who gave the keynote speech at the event on behalf of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

The fruitful turnout of the 10th RTF came after the successful blowout of sales at the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2022.

The TPB registered record-breaking, actual and negotiated sales of the RTF amounting to P83 million, according to TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

This year’s RTF sales have generated an increase of 120 percent, which is equivalent to P45,452,000 and 49 percent, or 27,360,000 from the eight and ninth RTFs, respectively, according to the TPB.

“All of these initiatives aim to revitalize the tourism industry in the country and introduce new innovations and ideas that not only transform but enhance the entire travel experience,” Nograles said.

The four-day hybrid edition of the RTF featuring “#DiscoverCALABARZON” commenced with a half-day onsite and online tourism forum on best practices in tourism operations.

The 10th RTF was made in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region IV-A and Ayala Malls in cooperation with the provinces of CALABARZON, Technopark Hotel, and Cebu Pacific Air.

RTF began in 2018 as an avenue to promote and sell domestic tour packages by showcasing the rich culture, heritage, and products all over the country.