DAVAO CITY – Tourism stakeholders highlighted the need for stronger regional cooperation, consumer-focused innovations, and long-term destination promotion during the launching of the 33rd Travel Tour Expo 2026 VisMin Edition and the 11th International Travel Trade Expo in Davao City on Thursday, April 30.

The event, the longest-running expo of its kind in Mindanao, is organized by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), a nationwide group of travel agents, in partnership with the Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA).

In a press conference at Rogen Inn Davao, PTAA president Jaison Yang said the staging of its flagship travel tour expo in Mindanao for the first time marks a major step in expanding the country's tourism footprint beyond Luzon.

Yang said the expo's impact is best measured by direct, immediate economic activity in host destinations.

"We have been doing the expo for the last 33 years. One of the most concrete impacts is on the local tourism industry whenever we hold one," Yang said, citing previous events in Iloilo where hotels and flights were fully booked, and nearby businesses experienced increased foot traffic.

Dr. Mariegel Tankiang Manotok, chairperson of the 33rd Travel Tour Expo VisMin Edition, said the long-term value of hosting the expo lies in destination promotion through firsthand experience.

"In the long run, it also helps promote the city. Members, sellers, and suppliers can see and experience the destination firsthand, and word of mouth is very important in tourism," Manotok said, adding that media exposure also contributes to sustained promotion of the host city.

To ensure that Mindanao-based tourism operators, particularly those in Davao, directly benefit from the event, Manotok said the TTE adopted a locals first policy that limits participation to Manila-based exhibitors.

"One rule of the travel tour expo business edition is that it should be a show for the locals," she said, noting that only Visayas and Mindanao stakeholders are allowed as exhibitors at the upcoming expo.

Manotok added that tourism students from local universities will serve as event marshals, while corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives will be embedded in the program to benefit communities.

On innovation, Yang said PTAA has introduced digital platforms, including a podcast focused on travel issues and consumer protection.

"We now have a podcast where we discuss issues, concerns, and consumer protection topics, such as how to avoid travel scammers," Yang said, adding that a live podcast is planned during the Davao event.

Manotok also announced plans for a live broadcast of the expo opening and the participation of visa facilitation provider VFS, allowing travelers to consult directly on visa requirements for major destinations.

"This event becomes a one-stop shop travel and tourism forum that is more beneficial to consumers," she said.

Department of Tourism-11 Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan said the expo strengthens Davao's position as a gateway to Mindanao and an international tourism entry point.

“Davao is already a gateway not only within Mindanao but to all parts of the country," Tan said, noting the presence of international buyers and media as an opportunity for a firsthand destination experience.

Tan added that tourism competitiveness is anchored on affordability, safety, and overall visitor experience, areas where Davao continues to perform strongly.

Davao City Tourism Operations Office officer-in-charge Willenito Tormis Jr. said the city continues to enhance tourism circuits and expand offerings, including the launch of new routes and early promotion of major events such as Kadayawan 2026.

"We are trying to connect with other cities and countries to promote Davao City to the world," Tormis said.

Tan emphasized Davao's readiness for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), citing adequate venues, air connectivity, and strong public-private coordination.

"We have sufficient facilities to cater to events like this," Tan said, adding that Davao's reputation as one of the safest cities in Southeast Asia continues to boost investor and tourist confidence.

"Safety and security, affordability, and overall experience are key indicators, and Davao performs strongly in all of them," Tan said.

DTAA president Gian Carlo Caguiat said the TTE and ITTE strengthen industry networks by connecting local agencies with airlines, suppliers, and exhibitors.

"We gain new contacts and partners, and when they see Davao is a good market, it becomes easier to invite them again in the future," Caguiat said.

Evelyn Bondagjy, head seller of the ITTE, said the concurrent ITTE aims to bridge business-to-business connections between international sellers and local buyers.

Bondagjy added that partnerships with airlines and banks will provide consumers with more accessible travel deals, including installment payment options.

Despite concerns about energy constraints and rising costs, ourism stakeholders stressed that tourism must continue as part of the economic recovery.

"Life does not stop. We still need to live, and people still need livelihoods," said Manotok who urged continued forward movement in the sector.

Tan said tourism-driven activities directly support employment across multiple industries, while Tormis stressed that maintaining events and festivals is essential to sustaining economic momentum.

"Tourism is connected to everyday life. If we stop, everything stops," Manotok said. "We can do this. We survived three years during Covid-19, so what are a few more difficult months?"

The 33rd Travel Tour Expo VisMin Edition and 11th ITTE will be held from June 5 to 7 at SMX Convention Center in Davao City, featuring 100 sponsors and exhibitors and 114 booths showcasing airlines, travel agencies, hotels, resorts, cruise operators, and tourism services.

PTAA and DTAA officials said the event aims to position Davao and Mindanao as key tourism and business hubs while strengthening domestic and international travel demand.