PASAY CITY, Philippines—The Province of Pangasinan, represented by the Pangasinan Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), joined the 34th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) from September 1-3, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, SM Mall of Asia.
The PTM is the biggest annual travel fair that aims to promote travel destinations around the country. Organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), actively supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), and many tourism enterprises, tourism stakeholders, and media partners, the PTM has been celebrated for 34 years, with the 2023 celebration marking the second year of its run since the easing of restrictions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 300 exhibitors from all 17 regions of the Philippines reportedly joined the PTM. Alongside the PTCAO, the Alaminos City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office also joined the event, as well as tour operators and two DOT-accredited accommodation establishments: The Monarch Hotel from the town of Calasiao and the Puerto Del Sol Beach Resort from the town of Bolinao.
“By its very essence, the Philippine Travel Mart exemplifies the ideal approach to ensure the continued strength of our tourism sector that is coordinated, collaborative, inclusive, market-driven, and proactive… Aside from the economic benefits that can be derived… we must not lose sight of PTM’s invaluable potential to demonstrate to the whole world the distinct Filipino brand. Not just our natural wonders, but our history, our culture, and values as well,” DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco relayed to the audience as President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos couldn’t attend the event.
In her own message, DOT Secretary Frasco expressed her utmost support and gratitude to PHILTOA and the TPB, as well as all participants and guests for another successful run of the event. “We all love our country. We all love the Philippines. And it is this common ground upon which we come together to continue to support Philippine tourism,” the Secretary stated.
Not only did the PTCAO promote Pangasinan’s popular destinations and emerging ones, such as the Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum set for its official inauguration this September 8, 2023, the office also brought local products like bocayo pastillas, pure calamansi juice, bangus relleno pandesal, and brown rice nutty bars to showcase the province’s all-time and new favorite food products.
/MCDG-U
Photos: PTCAO
