Find your next adventure at the 20th Travel Tour Expo 2013

MANILA, Philippines - Just minutes after Malacañang issued the list of holidays for the year in January, the Internet had bottlenecked at certain websites –– airlines, hotel booking services, travel agencies, everything that has to do with escaping from the reality that had just sunk in. It was back to work for everyone, but the promise of vacation was more than enough reason to celebrate. Three words were on our minds: Book, book, book!

The start of the year is the best time to make travel plans. An event organized by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) makes for a good jump off point. The 20th Travel Tour Expo that will be held from Feb. 15 to 17 at the SMX Convention Center carries the theme “Gateway to Gateways”, and will feature the cream of the crop in Philippine travel and tourism.

At the press conference held recently led by TTE chairperson Aileen Clemente, PTAA president John Paul Cabalza, DOT assistant secretary Bong Bengzon, and PTAA trustee Nit Ragaza, the group shared what guests can expect from the upcoming fair.

This year, PTAA launches the first Travel Tour Expo Gateway to Gateways Coupon Book, which is a compilation of all discounts and freebies from participating exhibitors and two complementary entrance tickets to the event. Visitors can also look forward to the Asia Miles Frequent Flyer Program daily raffle that can be redeemed for trips worldwide. Special guests, like Hello Kitty by the Japanese Embassy, are also set to grace the expo.

Aileen Clemente also shared this year’s must-visit places, in which she included Toronto, Canada, Philippine Airlines’ newest destination, Hokkaido and Okinawa, Japan, the newly opened Lego Land and Hello Kitty Land in Malaysia, and Europe, where she recommends river cruising for a fresh perspective of the revered tourist destinations. Locally, Danao, Bohol is first on her list for adventure seekers; followed by Calaguas Island in Bicol, Baler, Aurora, and Samal Island in Davao.

TTE is organized by the PTAA with the Department of Tourism – Tourism Promotions Board featuring Solaire Resort & Casino. The event is also supported by Philippine Airlines as official carrier, Citibank as official credit card partner, Asia Miles as official travel reward program, Icon Graphics, Air Asia, Duty Free, Globe, TIEZA, SMX Convention Center, Lina Vitan Catering, The Philippine STAR, Crossover 105.1, RJ 100.3, Business Mirror, The Foreign Post, Travel Update and View Travel & Lifestyle magazine.

The 20th Travel Tour Expo is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 15 and 16, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 17, for a minimum entrance fee of P50 for regular visitors and P20 for senior citizens. Visit ptaatraveltourexpo.com for details.