Travel fest organizer firm on sales growth

CEBU, Philippines - Organizers of the 4th International Travel Festival (ITF) remain optimistic of sales growth this year despite the headwinds the Philippine tourism sector is currently facing because of security threats recently.

ITF organizer MyEventology expects over a hundred exhibitors — including local and international airlines, as well as hotel and resorts across the Philippines' prime destinations — to join the travel fair slated on July 14-16 at Ayala Center Cebu.

Project director Stephanie Villahermosa said in a press conference Wednesday that as of the latest, at least 84 exhibitors have already signified to join the travel festival.

While the event is happening at a time when the tourism sector is facing some setbacks, she believes the industry will be able to bounce back.

She said they expect foot traffic at the three-day travel fair to reach the 270,000-mark.

The three-day travel fair will gather various tourism stakeholders — travel agencies, national tour operators, hotels, resorts, insurance brokers, airlines, financial institutions, and international tourism bureaus, among others – to offer travel deals and packages to travel enthusiasts.

Consumers are expected to splurge on discounted airline fares, hotel and resort deals and tour packages for both domestic and international travels.

The travel event is co-presented by the Tourism Promotions Board, Department of Tourism and Philippine Airlines.

Various regional offices of the DOT are also expected to join and promote their respective tourist destinations.

On July 12, organizers are also holding the Cebu Travel Exchange, a prelude event to the 4th ITF.

This is a business-to-business session among the fair's exhibitors, giving travel industry players the opportunity to interact with one another.

Over 50 foreign buyers and 50 local sellers are expected to join the session.

Foreign buyers include agents from Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and USA, among others.

The travel exchange is seen to provide an opportunity for foreign agents to gain and sustain their interest in the Philippines as a travel destination.

The said two events should show the support of travelers and industry players to Philippine tourism. (FREEMAN)