TRAVEX 2026 opens in Cebu, strengthens ASEAN tourism under PH lead
By Trixee Rosel
At A Glance
- TRAVEX 2026 opened in Cebu on Jan. 28, hosted by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
- The three-day event brought together over 600 foreign buyers, sellers, and exhibitors.
- Participants include tourism enterprises, tour operators, and destination marketers from all ASEAN member states.
- Philippine exhibitors used the platform to expand regional and global partnerships.
- DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco highlighted lasting collaborations and a stronger, competitive ASEAN tourism community.
The Philippines reaffirmed its leadership in regional tourism as the Department of Tourism (DOT) hosted the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) 2026 in Cebu on Wednesday, Jan. 28, bringing together over 600 foreign buyers, sellers, and exhibitors to advance ASEAN’s drive to become a unified, competitive tourism destination.
Held at the Mactan Expo Center in Lapu-Lapu City, the three-day travel trade exchange features participants from across the region.
The opening ceremony was led by DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, joined by Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana and ASEAN Tourism Association President Eddy Krismeidi.
Also present were Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, representatives from ASEAN member states, local government units, and key leaders from the tourism industry.
TRAVEX 2026 brings together tourism enterprises, tour operators, destination marketers, and buyers from ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and the bloc’s newest member state, Timor-Leste.
Philippine exhibitors—comprising hotels and resorts, travel and tour agencies, MICE venues, airlines, and government agencies—are using the platform to expand regional and global partnerships while strengthening market access.
“TRAVEX showcases the diversity and maturity of ASEAN tourism offerings; it is a platform that brings together not only destinations and products but also aspirations, partnerships, and shared responsibility for the future of tourism in our region,” Frasco said.
She added that beyond trade negotiations, the event aims to generate tangible outcomes, foster lasting collaborations, and build a more competitive and resilient ASEAN tourism community.