THE 14TH Regional Travel Fair (RTF) in Roxas City, Capiz successfully generated P348.5 million in sales leads, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) revealed on Wednesday.
The three-day travel fair from October 18-20, the RTF final leg this year, also raised P20.67 million in actual negotiated sales.
Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, TPB chief operating officer, said the RTF provided “a deeper appreciation for our rich local culture and diverse destinations” on top of the generated sales.
“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.” Nograles said in a press statement.
Organized by the TPB Philippines, the RTF showcased the tourism potential of Western Visayas while connecting industry players with the business-to-business (B2B) sessions which gathered 65 sellers and 49 buyers and facilitated over 5,167 business appointments.
During the B2B, representatives from the provincial governments of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental showcased their tourism products and services, as well as their respective cultural heritage and travel attractions.
The B2B sessions facilitated over 5,167 appointments, fostering strong partnerships and opening new avenues to promote tourism across the Visayas.
The business-to-consumer (B2C) sessions on Oct. 19-20 at Robinsons Roxas attracted around 4,000 visitors who availed of travel deals and promotions from participating exhibitors.
DOT VI director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, DOT Region II director Troy Alexander G. Miano, DOT IV-A Marites Castro, Capiz Governor Fredenil Castro, and Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas also graced the event.
After the B2B and B2C sessions, participants, media, and influencers went on a post-event tour to some of the region’s premier attractions, including but not limited to the Pan-ay Church, one of the oldest in the country, a scenic river cruise at the Palina Greenbelt Ecopark, the Banica Dried Fish Market, where participants experience Capiz’ infamous 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 2GO, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and Robinsons Roxas.
