Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2023, an event organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, exceeded all expectations that resulted to a record-breaking Php296 million in negotiated sales, outdoing last year’s hybrid event that sold around Php173 million, during its two-day table-top meetings held in September 20-21 at the prestigious Fili-NuStar Hotel in Cebu.
TPB Chief Operating Officer Marga Nograles was ecstatic when she announced the gumption of her team, saying, “We are here to raise our glasses to our achievements over the past 4 days. We witnessed collective efforts that surpassed challenges and exceeded expectations. There is a constant images of a strong and unified team. As the saying goes, ‘Team work makes the dream come true’.”
Graced by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and TPB COO Marga Nograles, this year’s PHITEX brought together 164 seller delegates representing 119 esteemed Philippine companies and welcomed 88 buyers from 19 countries around the world. The event showcased the very best of the Philippines, presenting its most enticing tourism attractions, establishments, services, and products to a global audience.
The success of PHITEX 2023 was nothing short of remarkable. Day 1 saw PHP 55,171,600 in sales, and Day 2 brought an astounding PHP 232,964,100, resulting in a grand total of PHP 296,213,032 in projected income, which also includes proceeds from sponsorship and participation fees.
The PHITEX 2023 event was organized in collaboration with various partners, including NUSTAR Resort Cebu, Fili Hotel – NUSTAR Cebu, Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc., Uni-Orient Travel, Inc., The Muse Hotel Boracay, Wine Club, Charlton Trade, Cebu Pacific, 2GO, and Bigseed Public Relations and Events. In-kind donations were generously provided by Engkanto, Angkas, and Barcino, and guests were treated to a variety of giveaways and tokens of appreciation from Sunnies Studios, Klook, and Bench.
PHITEX 2023 also received invaluable support from the Department of Tourism Region VII, the Office of the Provincial Governor of Cebu, and the local government units (LGUs) of Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Carcar City, Argao, and Talisay.