As the tourism sector of the country slowly recovers from the adverse economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the province of Rizal continues to boost its identity as one of the Philippine's top tourist destinations.

During the recently concluded North Luzon Travel Fair spearheaded by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board and the Subic Clark Alliance Development Corporation, the province was given the opportunity to showcase its various delicacies and produce, as well as its breathtaking tourist sites to the public. These include the suman and kasoy of Antipolo City, Carika dolls of Baras, and the elegant lanterns of Taytay.

A fashion show was also held during the event which featured the traditional designs and fabrics from the different regions of Luzon where assistant provincial administrator Atty. Czarina Reyes modeled for the province wearing a modern Filipina gown made by Michael Leyva of Antipolo City.

The 1st North Luzon Travel Fair is aimed at creating a one-stop-shop venue for industry collaboration, showcasing the domestic tourism destinations, products, services, delicacies, gifts and pasalubong items, as well as cultural presentations from the northern side of the country.

The three-day event highlighted Business-to-Consumer (B2C) showcasing discounted packages, air tickets, accommodation, and other tourism-related products; Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions which provide an opportunity for tourism stakeholders to experience innovative ways of developing business connections and update local industry partners with the latest tourism offerings; Buyers Familiarization Tour of the North Luzon Regions; and the Hibla ng Lahi Fashion show, a fashion show featuring the regal and indigenous fabrics from the North Luzon regions.

After the fair, the participants had simultaneous post-event familiarization tours to Ilocos Region (Region I), Cagayan Valley (Region II), Central Luzon (Region III), and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), extending the benefits of the tourism value chain to the local communities, stakeholders, and destinations of Northern Luzon.

Other participating regions in the North Luzon Travel include DOT National Capital Region (NCR), IV-A (CALABARZON), IV-B (MIMAROPA), VI (Western Visayas), Region VII (Central Visayas), VIII (Eastern Visayas), Region XI (Davao), Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN), and XIII (CARAGA).

During the event, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said that Northern Luzon accepted over 3.8 million domestic and foreign tourists as of Nov. 18 this year.

“And while recently, we have reopened our country to international travel, I can see that we are well on our way to recovery because you are well on our way to the 9.6 million arrivals that you had in this side of the country prior to the pandemic,” Castro said.