14th Regional Travel Fair in Roxas City Closes Year with PHP348 Million in Sales Leads

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The Regional Travel Fair (RTF) successfully concluded its final leg this year in Roxas City, Capiz with PHP 348.5 million in sales leads and PHP 20.67 million in actual negotiated sales.

Held from October 18 to 20, the travel fair organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines showcased the tourism potential of the Western Visayas region while connecting industry players and driving domestic travel demand.

Dubbed as the 14th RTF, the event gathered 65 sellers and 49 buyers of tourism products and services for the Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions held at Circulo Convention Center on October 18.

Representatives from the provincial governments of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental showcased their tourism products and services, each emphasizing their province’s unique cultural heritage and travel attractions.

The B2B sessions facilitated over 5,167 business appointments, fostering strong partnerships and opening new avenues to promote tourism across the Visayas.

The Business-to-Consumer (B2C) sessions on October 19 and 20 at Robinsons Roxas attracted around 4,000 visitors who availed of travel deals and promotions from participating exhibitors.

The opening ceremony set the tone for an engaging and festive event, with attendance from DOT Region 6 Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, DOT Region 2 Director Troy Alexander G. Miano, DOT Region 4A Marites Castro, Capiz Governor Atty. Fredenil Castro, and Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas.

Visitors enjoyed presentations from provincial tourism offices, cultural performances, games such as Travel Bingo, and a wide range of artisanal products and local delicacies.

“The 14th Regional Travel Fair has been a resounding success, not only in terms of generating significant sales but also in inspiring a deeper appreciation for our rich local culture and diverse destinations,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “This event has proven the growing potential of domestic tourism and the vital role it plays in supporting local communities and businesses. We are thrilled by the enthusiastic response from industry stakeholders and the public, and we remain committed to creating more opportunities to connect travelers with the hidden gems of our country.”

To mark the opening of the final RTF for 2024, a special welcome dinner was hosted for participating buyers and sellers at Istorya Forest Garden on October 18. The dinner, graced by Gov. Castro and DOT Western Visayas Regional Director Crisanta Rodriguez, provided a warm venue for networking and camaraderie amidst the lush surroundings of the venue.

Beyond the formal sessions, the RTF offered participants a chance to experience the rich natural and cultural beauty of Capiz through a specially curated post-event tour. Buyers, members of the media, and other delegates visited Pan-ay Church, one of the oldest in the Philippines, followed by a scenic river cruise at the Palina Greenbelt Ecopark. The tour also featured a stop at the vibrant Banica Dried Fish Market, where participants witnessed the bustling trade of Capiz’s famed seafood produce.

The success of the 14th RTF was made possible through the collaboration of DOT Region VI, the City of Roxas, and the Province of Capiz, and in cooperation with Robinsons Roxas.

As the final leg of the 2024 Regional Travel Fair series, the Roxas City edition capped off a year of dynamic events that showcased the diverse tourism offerings of the Philippines’ key regions. TPB is proud to have supported local tourism stakeholders throughout the year and looks forward to future initiatives that will continue to promote the beauty and vibrancy of the country’s destinations.