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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Travel expo kicks off in Davao City

Travel expo kicks off in Davao City

Published Jun 5, 2026 05:59 pm
THE 33rd Travel Tour Expo and the 11th International Travel Trade Expo VisMin Edition 2026 kicked off Friday at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City. (Photo via Ivy Tejano)
THE 33rd Travel Tour Expo and the 11th International Travel Trade Expo VisMin Edition 2026 kicked off Friday at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City. (Photo via Ivy Tejano)
DAVAO CITY – Davao government officials, tourism stakeholders, and diplomats formally opened the 33rd Philippine Travel Agencies Association Travel Tour Expo and the 11th International Travel Trade Expo at SMX Convention Center in Davao City on Friday morning, June 5, marking the start of the biggest and most dynamic travel expo in Mindanao.
Running until June 7, the event is the longest-running travel expo in the region, organized by the PTAA in partnership with the Davao Travel Agencies Association. It brings together local and international tourism stakeholders, including airlines, hotels, resorts, tour operators, and travel service providers, under one roof.
In a message, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte welcomed participants and highlighted tourism as a key pillar of the city's development agenda, citing an increase in tourist arrivals in the early months of 2026 compared to the same period last year.
"The City Government of Davao extends its warmest greetings to all members of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, key partners, tourism professionals, advocates, and everyone gathered for the kickoff of the Travel Tour Expo 2026 VisMin Edition here in Davao City," Duterte said.
Duterte emphasized that the expo has long served as a platform to promote Philippine tourism and showcase destinations to the global market, noting that the event's presence in Davao City coincides with the city's Duaw Davao celebration.
"We thank the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, in partnership with the Davao Travel Agencies Association and your valued partners and stakeholders, for staging this event in Davao City just in time for the Duaw Davao 2026 celebration," the mayor added.
Willenito Tormis Jr., officer-in-charge of the Davao City Tourism Operations Office, said the city continues to gain strong momentum in tourism, reporting a 19 percent increase in travelers from January to April 2026.
Tormis said hosting the expo strengthens Davao's global tourism visibility and complements local cultural celebrations. "We are very happy because this event is also our way of boosting Davao's presence in the world."
Department of Tourism-11 Director Tanya Rabat-Tan described the event as a historic milestone, saying it is the first time the prestigious expo is being staged in Davao and Mindanao.
She highlighted the resilience of the region's tourism sector amid global disruptions, including the pandemic and economic challenges, as well as the growing role of young digital storytellers in promoting destinations across the Davao region.
"This gathering signals a monumental shift in how the world sees our beautiful region," Tan said, while also emphasizing the theme "Nurturing the Next Gen Tourism," citing youth-driven digital content creation as a key driver of modern tourism promotion.
PTAA VisMin chairman Dr. Evangeline Tankiang-Manotok said the VisMin edition reflects the association's commitment to decentralizing tourism opportunities beyond Metro Manila.
Manotok said this year's edition features more than 80 booths for the Travel Tour Expo and over 60 booths for the International Travel Trade segment, representing more than 40 countries.
She also cited the resilience of the tourism industry amid global uncertainty, noting that the event went ahead despite earlier concerns about international tensions. "Every challenge has only made us stronger," Manotok said, adding that tourism remains a force for growth, connection, and hope.
PTAA President Jaison Yang underscored the importance of inclusive tourism development through the campaign "Love the Philippines, Love the World," saying tourism must promote unity, accessibility, and shared national pride.
He emphasized that the VisMin edition aims to bridge regional gaps and expand opportunities for stakeholders nationwide.
For PTAA, Yang said, tourism is not only about business transactions but about building connections and strengthening communities.
DTAA president Gian Carlo Caguiat described the partnership of the two travel agencies as a "significant milestone" for the Davao region and Davao City's tourism and travel industry.
Caguiat said this year's expo will boost Davao's local tourism and economy while reinforcing the city's status as a premier travel and business hub in the southern Philippines.

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