Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the 34th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) recently.
Representing President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Frasco graced the PTM titled “Love 34th Philippine Travel Mart, Love The Philippines”, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
“The Philippine Travel Mart exemplifies the ideal approach to ensure the continued strength of our tourism sector, that is, coordinated, collaborative, inclusive, market-driven, and proactive.”
“By its very essence, the Philippine Travel Mart exemplifies the ideal approach to ensure the continued strength of our tourism sector, that is, coordinated, collaborative, inclusive, market-driven, and proactive. If the success of last year’s installment was any indication, the PTM promises once again to be a mutually beneficial exercise for all concerned and another strategic contribution to the sector’s vital role in our post-pandemic economic growth,” Marcos said conveying his utmost support and admiration for the PTM through a message delivered by the tourism chief.
The President also accentuated the role of the tourism sector in the country’s economic resurgence post-pandemic and its capacity to generate livelihoods for millions of Filipinos.
“As you continue to invest your energies and passion into your trade and craft, you can be assured of this Administration’s fervent support for the entire tourism industry,” he said.
Joining the tourism chief were Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) President Fe Abling-Yu, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines Chief Operating Officer Margarita Nograles, Philippine Airlines President and Chief Operating Officer Stanley Ng, and Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano’s chief-of-staff Peter Eric Pardo.
The PTM serves as a hub that brings together essential players from diverse segments of the tourism industry, effectively putting on display the dynamic nature of Philippine destinations and the rich spectrum of tourism experiences they offer. Additionally, it beckons travelers to seize hold of exclusive deals on tour packages, airfares, vouchers, and other tourism services.
The event brought together travel enthusiasts, industry professionals, and key stakeholders across the country under one roof.
The tourism head expressed gratitude to the members of the PHILTOA for their unwavering dedication and support for Philippine tourism as she delivered pertinent updates on the industry’s accomplishments.
“Thank you for all the hard work that all of you have extended, coming out of the pandemic and the various calamities that have come upon our shores.”
“Today we are delighted to assemble for this annual event of great significance not only for local tourism industry but for the entire country as well. Thank you for all the hard work that all of you have extended, coming out of the pandemic and the various calamities that have come upon our shores. You have never ceased to believe in the potential of the Philippines to become Asia’s tourism powerhouse,” she stressed.
The PTM began as a Department of Tourism (DOT) initiative in 1989, with the primary objective of catering both to trade and consumer markets.
In 1994, the PHILTOA embraced its mandate to ensure the annual staging of the PTM, and since then organized, managed and operated the event as its flagship project.
Through the collaboration of DOT and PHILTOA, and with support from TPB Philippines, the PTM has evolved into the longest-running and most interactive exposition of Philippine destinations year after year.
