THE 13TH Regional Travel Fair in General Santos City successfully generated P385,503,953 million in sales leads.
In a statement on Monday, the three-day travel fair from Sept. 27-29 also raised P21,232,710 in actual negotiated sales.
Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Tourism Promotions Board chief operating officer, said the strong figure of the sales “underscore a growing interest in domestic tourism” especially in underexplored areas like Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and GenSan)
“This event has illustrated the region’s vast potential, and we eagerly anticipate more travelers discovering its hidden treasures,” Nograles said in a press release.
Apart from establishing vital connections among industry stakeholders, the RTF showcased Soccsksargen’s potential as a premier travel destination, it said.
In this year’s edition of RTF, TPB brought buyers and sellers nationwide to expand business networks while promoting local and national tourism products and services through business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) sessions.
The business-to-business (B2B) sessions on Sept. 27 at the Green Leaf Hotel, involved 135 sellers nationwide and 50 buyers to discuss emerging travel trends.
Meanwhile, the Business-to-consumer (B2C) sessions at SM City GenSan from September 28-29, attracted around 4,000 visitors to experience local artisan products and avail of exclusive deals on tour packages, airline tickets, and accommodations.
Attendees were also treated to cultural performances from budding cultural artists and activities such as Travel Bingo and the Tourism Quiz Bee.
Department of Tourism (DOT) regional offices and event partners also showcased their latest tourism updates in respective regions.
DOT Asec. Judilyn S. Quiachon, DOT XII director Nelia R. Arina, BARMM Bureau of Tourism director Engr. Marites Maguindra, and TPB acting deputy COO for marketing and oromotions Teresita D.L. Landan, along with a representative from the office of the GenSan City Mayor Lorelie G. Pacquiao 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 General Santos City Fish Port Complex, CCT Malungon Retreat & Training Center, and the eco-tourism destination of Lake Sebu.
“This tour emphasized the region’s commitment to sustainable and community-focused tourism initiatives,” it said.
The 13th RTF in Gensan was made possible through the collaboration of the TPB, DOT- 12, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, the city government of GenSan, and the event partners- SM Gensan, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and 2GO.
TPB announced the next edition of RTF will take place in Western Visayas, specifically Roxas City in Capiz on October 18-20.
