Alternative venue eyed: Travel show to go on despite mall closure

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu’s travel and tourism stakeholders have sustained a bullish outlook on the local tourism industry this year as they gather for the 4th Cebu Travel Catalogue International (CTCI) 2018.

The travel show is happening on Jan. 26-28 in Ayala Center Cebu.

Organizers said yesterday the travel fair is a go despite the temporary closure of Ayala mall at the moment. But if things don't turn out as planned, the event will be held in Robinsons Galleria Cebu.

More than 60 exhibitors are joining this year's CTCI including members of the Cebu Travel and Tours Association (CTTA), Cebu Alliance of Tour Operations Specialists (CATOS), airlines, hotels and resorts, and other industry players.

CATOS president Alice Queblatin said: "This event is a show of collaboration of travel and tourism. Cebu is a hub for international and domestic travel."

The three-day travel fair will offer airfare promos and tour packages to international destinations such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Dubai, Turkey, Maldives, New Zealand, North and South America, and most of Europe.

Within the Philippines, many travel companies also provide tours to popular tourist destinations such as Boracay and Palawan.

Among the airline companies joining the travel fair include Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, Silk Air, EVA Air, Emirates and Cathay Pacific.

Regional offices of the Department of Tourism are also joining the travel show.

Likewise, tourism offices of international destinations such as the Japan National Tourism Organization, Singapore Tourism Board and Tourism Authority of Thailand are joining to provide information on travel to their respective countries.

Since 2015, CTCI has offered business and marketing opportunities for travel agencies, hotels and resorts as well as tourism offices and organizations.

It is also a platform to boost travel and tourism in the country.

This year's CTCI will connect tourism industry players through the business matching event dubbed as the Cebu Travel Connect 2018.

The B2B event will be held on Jan. 25 in Golden Prince Hotel and Suites. (FREEMAN)