PTAA’s TravelTour Expo heads to Cagayan de Oro for the first time

Screenshot from PTAA Facebook Page.

For the first time in its 31-year history, the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) is taking its much-awaited TravelTour Expo to Visayas and Mindanao. The event will be held from July 19 to 21, 2024, at the Limketkai Atrium in Cagayan de Oro City. The move marks a milestone as the PTAA ventures outside of Metro Manila to bring travel enthusiasts and industry professionals together in one of the most beautiful places in Mindanao.

The three-day expo promises a wealth of opportunities for attendees. With over 50 exhibitors, including airlines, hotels, resorts, and tourism boards, participants can expect an immersive experience. Exclusive flight discounts, accommodations, and tours are among the many perks awaiting expo-goers. Interactive exhibits and engaging booths will showcase the best travel deals and destinations.

“We are thrilled to bring this premier event to Cagayan de Oro City, a destination strategically located in VisMin and brimming with vibrant energy,” said Evangeline Tankiang-Manotok, PTAA President. 

The press conference was graced by (from left to right) Cleofe Albiso of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts; Angela “Rhea” Velez of Cebu Pacific Air; Mattel Luna of Union Bank of the Philippines; Evangeline Tankiang Manotok, Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) president and TTE VisMin 2024 chairperson; Tito Noel Mora, TTE VisMin 2024 co-chairperson; Thesa Pangilinan of Discover Hong Kong Hong Kong Tourism Board); Leonard Bryan U. Sansolis of Philippine Airlines; Irene Tumaob of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA); and Thermina Ann Akram of Go Negosyo.

“This event represents a unique opportunity for travelers and industry professionals to come together, exchange ideas, and discover new destinations and experiences,” she said.

The TravelTour Expo VisMin is expected to draw thousands of visitors from across the region, reflecting the growing interest and enthusiasm for travel and tourism in the Philippines. Attendees will have the chance to connect with travel experts who can provide valuable insights and advice, making it easier to plan memorable trips.

The expo is not just a boon for travel enthusiasts but also for the local economy. The PTAA aims to spotlight Mindanao’s rich culture and diverse attractions by hosting the event in CDO, promoting the region as a prime travel destination. Local travel agents can network with international operators, potentially paving the way for future collaborations and business growth.

Screenshot from PTAA Facebook Page.

Moreover, the event is mounted in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and UnionBank. It also enjoys support from the City of Cagayan de Oro, Cebu Pacific, Go Negosyo, Latitude, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, Philippine Airlines, Manila Bulletin, and When in Manila.

The TravelTour Expo VisMin is set to become a cornerstone event in the region’s tourism calendar. It promises to open new avenues for travel enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, contributing significantly to the growth of tourism in Mindanao and the Philippines at large.

Kenneth M. del Rosario
Kenneth has been writing for the Philippine Daily Inquirer for more than 17 years, covering travel, food, motoring, technology, real estate, and business, among others.