General Santos Travel Fair Generates PHP 385 Million in Sales Leads

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The 13th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) in General Santos City concluded with over PHP 385 million in sales leads and PHP 21.2 million in actual negotiated sales.

Held from Sept. 27-29, 2024, the event showcased the SOCCSKSARGEN region’s potential as a premier travel destination while fostering connections among industry stakeholders.

Organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the fair is part of an initiative to boost domestic tourism by promoting the unique attractions of host regions.

“We are delighted with the results of this year’s Regional Travel Fair,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “The strong sales figures underscore a growing interest in domestic tourism, particularly in underexplored areas like SOCCSKSARGEN. This event has illustrated the region’s vast potential, and we eagerly anticipate more travelers discovering its hidden treasures.”

The RTF featured business-to-business (B2B) sessions on Sept. 27 at the Greenleaf Hotel, where 135 sellers from across the Philippines engaged with 50 buyers to form partnerships and discuss emerging travel trends.

Business-to-consumer (B2C) sessions took place at SM City General Santos from Sept. 28-29, attracting around 4,000 visitors. Attendees explored local products and enjoyed exclusive deals on tour packages, airline tickets, and accommodations. The event also featured cultural performances and activities such as Travel Bingo and the Tourism Quiz Bee.

Key guests at the fair included DOT Assistant Secretary Judilyn S. Quiachon, DOT Region XII Director Nelia R. Arina, BARMM Bureau of Tourism Director Engr. Marites Maguindra, TPB Acting Deputy COO for Marketing and Promotions Teresita D.L. Landan, and General Santos City Mayor Lorelie G. Pacquiao, represented by Executive Assistant Evelyn Lim.

A special welcome dinner at the Grand Summit Hotel for buyers and sellers was attended by officials including Director Arina, Director Engr. Maguindra, and Acting Deputy COO Landan, with recorded messages from TPB COO Nograles and South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr.

After the event, participants, media, and influencers toured the region’s key attractions, including the General Santos City Fish Port Complex, CCT Malungon Retreat & Training Center, and Lake Sebu, highlighting the region’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

The success of the 13th RTF was made possible by collaboration with DOT Region XII, the City of General Santos, the Province of South Cotabato, and partners such as 2GO, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and SM City General Santos.

TPB has announced that the next Regional Travel Fair will be held in Roxas City from Oct. 18-20, 2024, offering more opportunities for stakeholders and travelers to explore the diversity of the Philippines.