CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), the largest and most reputable body of travel agencies in the country, has chosen Cagayan de Oro City as the venue for the 31st PTAA National Convention and 9th International Travel Trade Expo 2024 VizMin Edition for the first time ever outside Metro Manila.
This unique three-day event, the Travel Tour Expo (TTE) and International Travel Trade Expo (ITTE) 2024 VizMin Edition, will feature some 120 exhibitors with pavilions and exhibit booths showcasing popular attractions, tourism destinations, travel-related products, and services. More than 40,000 domestic and foreign visitors are expected to over the three-day expo to be held at the Limketkai Mall Atrium.
The primary objective is to offer attendees access to affordable tour packages, discounted accommodations, budget-friendly travel essentials, and delicious food options.
To kick off the preparations for this annual expo, a press conference was hosted by the Limketkai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro on March 2nd with PTAA officials formally announced the twin events.
“This is a momentous occasion, the inaugural PTAA Travel and Tour Expo VisMin Edition right here in the magnificent City of Golden Friendship Cagayan de Oro,” said Evangeline Tankiang Manotok, PTAA President. “For the first time, the PTAA event will transcend the boundaries of Manila and casting the spotlight on the untapped potential and breathtaking beauty of Cagayan de Oro!”
She stressed that this is a testament to the city’s growing prominence and a celebration of its unique charm. PTAA was founded 44 years ago by her father, Dr. Francisco Tankiang, and it remains the only national association of travel agencies in the Philippines today.
More than just a travel showcase, the PTAA Travel Tour Expo was established 31 years ago as a catalyst for travel growth. It is a collective effort whose success hinges on the collaboration of the public and private sectors.
“It is an opportunity to ignite a new era of tourism in Cagayan de Oro, propelling it to even greater heights,” she emphasized.
Limketkai Luxe General Manager Jerome dela Fuente echoed the significance of the expo, stressing how it is the largest and most anticipated travel event in the country. The expo is an annual affair organized by PTAA and usually held every February at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City but is venturing outside Metro Manila for the first time ever.
Jaison Yang, PTAA Public Relations Officer (PRO) said the PTTA will also hold its 31st national convention parallel to the TTE. Foremost in the choice of Cagayan de Oro as the venue for this year’s convention is its strategic central location which makes it equally accessible to all members from the Visayas and Mindanao.
Councilor George Goking, Cagayan de Oro City Council Chairman for the Commerce and Trade Committee, committed to help the organizers and participants avail of the tax perks available from the city’s Investment and Incentives Code.
The three day travel extravaganza reels off in July 19th with the opening of the TTE and Special General Membership Meeting of Lakbay Pilipinas. The TTE continues on July 20 while the city hosts a City Tour for PTAA members and a Gala Night for Trade Sellers and Buyers.
This will be followed on July 21st by the City Tour for Foreign Trade Sellers, and the last day of the TTE.
Established in 1979, the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) emerged from the amalgamation of national associations of outbound travel agencies and inbound tour operations. Its founding mission was to promote unity in the travel industry and advocate for the welfare of its members and the traveling public. Today, PTAA stands as a formidable entity, playing a pivotal role both nationally and internationally.
Joining Ms. Manotok and GM de la Fuente during the press conference were Ms. Evelyn D. Bondagjy, PTAA Vice President for Outbound; Mr. Jaison Yang, PTAA PRO, Ms. Chal Chang Lontoc-del Rosario, PTAA Trustee who hosted the prescon, and Mr. Tito Mora, Co-Chair for the VisMin Edition of the Travel Tour Expo.
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