After successfully organizing the country’s largest travel trade event in Metro Manila for the past 30 years, the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) has announced the much-anticipated expansion of its Travel Tour Expo (TTE) to Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin).
A pioneering effort of PTAA, the first-ever TTE Vismin edition, the largest travel event to be held in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, is scheduled to take place on July 19-21, 2024, at the Limketkai Atrium in Cagayan de Oro City.
“We are excited to announce the TTE VisMin, marking the 31st edition of our esteemed event. This is our first venture outside of Metro Manila, making it a historic occasion,” said Evangeline Tankiang-Manotok, President of PTAA. “Cagayan de Oro, known as the City of Golden Friendship, a destination strategically located at the heart of Mindanao, is brimming with vibrant energy making it the perfect host for this premier event.”
The three-day expo will open opportunities to tap the ever-growing Philippines market for overseas travel. TTE VisMin serves as a one-stop platform for travel enthusiasts to connect and explore a wide range of travel opportunities and special deals. With 132 booths and 60 exhibitors, including airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, and tourism boards, attendees can expect interactive exhibits, engaging booths, exclusive discounts on flights, accommodations, and tours, as well as destination packages and valuable insights from travel experts.
The TTE VisMin is expected to attract more than 30,000 foot traffic from the region, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for travel and tourism in the Philippines.
Coinciding with the Travel Tour Expo is the 9th International Travel Trade Expo VisMin Edition. Thirty-eight registered buyers, including international tour operators and agents, will network with 65 local travel agents. By supporting these local travel agencies in the region, PTAA plans to help them access more markets, potential clients, and network with suppliers.
PTAA officer for Public Relations, Jaison Yang, stated during the press conference that the organization’s goal is to attract more members to join.
“In Cagayan de Oro alone, there are 100 registered travel agencies, presenting a pool of potential members for PTAA. The association seeks to support these small travel agencies by prohibiting Manila-based travel agents from exhibiting in the region. This measure is intended to protect local travel agencies in Visayas and Mindanao, both members and non-members of PTAA,” he revealed.
“Rather than relying on Manila-based wholesalers for travel packages, PTAA will bring sellers directly to local agencies, thereby empowering them to create their own packages and improve their business,” added Tankiang-Manotok.
TTE VisMin will be a unique opportunity for industry professionals to come together, exchange ideas, and discover new destinations and experiences.
She continued, “PTAA is considering reviewing its by-laws to create regional vice presidents, further expanding its reach and support for members in different regions.”
The organizers look forward to welcoming everyone to Cagayan de Oro City for an unforgettable event.
TTE VisMin is mounted in partnership with the Department of Tourism, TIEZA, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and UnionBank. It is also supported by the City of Cagayan de Oro, Cebu Pacific, Go Negosyo, Latitude, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, Philippine Airlines, Qantas Airways, United Airlines, and Toyota Cagayan de Oro.
The Expo will be open to the public on July 19 to 21, 2024 from 10 am to 7 pm.