Baguio City serves as host for the 17th Regional Travel Fair
What went down at the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines' summer event
By Poch Eulalia
At A Glance
- Buyers and sellers were coming from as far as Mindanao to pitch travel opportunities to everyone present at the event.
CITY OF PINES Baguio City served as the venue for the 17th Regional Travel Fair by the Tourism Promotions Board
In the City of Pines, several travel industry members flocked to the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center over the weekend for the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines’ Regional Travel Fair (RTF).
READY FOR BUSINESS Travel agencies, hotels, resort owners, and tourists all took time to make connections
For its opening day, held on May 15, guests were quick to connect with other travel workers for the best travel deals and offers. Buyers and sellers were coming from as far as Mindanao to pitch travel opportunities to everyone present at the event. Heads of tourism offices from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) also presented ideal spots and locations to look out for in their respective areas.
ARTIST AT WORK Painter Freddie Luna Cruz making quick portraits of convention attendees
Aside from domestic travel opportunities, the event also served as a venue to showcase local cuisine and the artistry of participating regions. Weavers and artisans showed off their prowess in creating patterns from Indigenous fabrics. Painter Freddie Luna Cruz, best known for his presidential portraits and celebrity sketches, was also present to make quick portraits of attendees. Other stalls also sold artisan crafts like handwoven bags and outfits, locally-made jewelry, and paintings.
Events like the RTF are part of the TPB’s initiative to market and promote the country domestically and internationally. Through the RTF, people can also discover hidden gems that have yet to become mainstream travel destinations. Just imagine finding the next Siargao or Boracay before everyone else finds out. It also helps in showcasing how the country is a capable MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) venue.