The 35th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) is poised to be a landmark event in the country’s tourism sector, highlighting both popular and emerging destinations across the archipelago. Scheduled to take place from September 6 to 8, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, this year’s PTM is set to be the biggest yet, bringing together nearly 300 exhibitors from various sectors of the tourism industry.
Organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the PTM is the country’s longest-running travel fair and serves as a platform to celebrate and promote the beauty and culture of the Philippines. The theme for this year, “Love the Next Gen Tourism,” encapsulates PHILTOA’s focus on sustainability, digitalization, inclusivity, and health and wellness—all crucial elements as the tourism industry adapts to post-pandemic realities.
“This year, we’re not just revisiting popular destinations, but also introducing lesser-known gems. It’s about giving travelers the chance to discover new corners of the country to fall in love with, while also ensuring that tourism growth is sustainable and inclusive,” said Arjun P. Shroff, PHILTOA president.
Indeed, the PTM is not just about travel deals and discounts—though there will be plenty of those. It’s a celebration of the country’s diverse offerings, with grand pavilions showcasing destinations from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Attendees can expect to book packages to perennial favorites like Boracay, Palawan, and Bohol, but also to emerging destinations that are gaining popularity for their unique appeal. Last year, for example, the PTM offered packages to the Spratly Islands and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, highlighting the event’s commitment to promoting all regions of the country.
PHILTOA Secretary-General Harold S. Atondo underscored the event’s role in spotlighting the rich diversity of the Philippines. “Every region has its booth representing their unique and beautiful destinations, rich culture, culinary delights, and more, to entice the public to visit.”
This year, the PTM will also feature international destinations, with packages available to various parts of Asia, the United States, Europe, and Australia. This expansion shows the growing demand for international travel among Filipinos, while still keeping the spotlight on domestic tourism.
Supporting the event is the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), along with corporate sponsors like UnionBank, GCash, and Philippine Airlines.
Margarita Nograles, CEO of the TPB, emphasized the importance of sustainability in the industry’s future. “Sustainability is just one of the efforts that the industry needs to adapt as we enter the new generation of travel,” Nograles said. “Our TPB membership program advocates for such initiatives, emphasizing collaboration and partnerships with our dearest stakeholders.”
Nograles also highlighted the TPB’s commitment to promoting the Filipino brand of service excellence. “As tourism stakeholders, our commitment to preserving the natural and cultural treasures we promote drives our approach to sustainable practices.”
The 35th PTM promises to be a showcase of the best that the country has to offer, both to local and international travelers. With the PTM’s focus on emerging destinations and innovative trends, the event is set to reaffirm the Philippines’ position as a top travel destination in Asia and beyond.
