CTTA-led travel expo slated in April

CEBU, Philippines — Capitalizing on the high appetite of Filipinos to travel, the Cebu Tours & Travel Alliance (CTTA) is set to hold the 8th Cebu Travel Catalogue International (CTCI 2024) to formally open up the anticipated summer season.

The travel fair, scheduled on April 12-14, 2024 at the Ayala Center Cebu, will gather at least 84 tourism-related businesses, including banking institutions that offer affordable travel packages both here and abroad, announced CTTA president Alan Carvajal.

Joined also by the Cebu Alliance of Tour Operations Specialists Inc., (CATOS), the CTCI 2024 hopes to ride on the sustaining “revenge travel” phenomenon, showcasing new and emerging destinations in Cebu, other parts of the country, and abroad.

Dubbed “Time to Travel More,” the three-day event embodies the spirit of adventure, an exploration that defines the tourism industry post-pandemic.

“CTCI 2024 serves as a call to action for all of us to embrace the opportunities before us, step beyond our comfort zones, and discover the wonders our world has to offer,” said Carvajal.

Members of CTTA and CATOS affirmed that interest in travel among Pinoys has heightened post-pandemic, boosted by the fascination of the young bunch to save up for travel either as solo travel or group travel with “barkadas” or friends.

What is more interesting in the post-pandemic era, is more towns, and municipalities, particularly in Cebu province, as well as other provinces, are aggressive in promoting their destination, offering off-the-beat tourist sports, said CCTA vice president Angelita “Baby” Dy.

She said municipal tourism officers are now aligned in getting so involved in the promotion of their respective destinations.

CTCI 2024 offers flexible travel options and customizable itineraries to suit every traveler’s needs.

CATOS president Alice Queblatin said that aside from exploring the different domestic destinations, more Filipinos are now traveling abroad, from the traditional favorite destinations like Hong Kong, more Pinoys are now traveling to Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, and Europe.

This year’s travel catalogue is supported by Philippine Airlines, Turkish Air, Newport World Resorts, Cebu Safari & Adventure Park and El Mar Resort, Hong Kong Tourism Board, RCBC, Anjo World Theme Park, Movenpick Hotels and Resorts, Golden Sands, Air Asia; and partners, Department of Tourism - Region VII, Cebu City Tourism Office.

CTTA is a leading organization, composed of seasoned travel operators dedicated to promoting tourism and travel in the Philippines. Through initiatives like CTCI, CTTA aims to showcase the beauty and diversity of the region, fostering global connections, and promoting sustainable travel practices. — (FREEMAN)