Travel madness expo opens

MANILA, Philippines - Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon Jr. leads government and industry leaders in opening the Travel Madness Expo 2013 at the Halls 3 and 4 of the SMX Convention Center Manila last Friday. Representing Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., Bengzon cited the huge crowd of visitors at the Travel Madness as proof of the country’s vibrant and growing tourism market. The three-day expo, which runs until today, offers ‘unbelievable’ discounts from various tourism sectors — from airlines to hotels and resorts and many other travel and tourism-related service providers.  The expo is organized by Travel Innovators Inc. led by Raymond Tee (hidden from view) as president and Pat Alberto (center) as vice president. Shown (from left) are Civil Aeronautics Board executive director Carmelo Arcilla, Bengzon, Alberto, Duty Free Philippines chief operating officer Lorenzo Formoso, and Bank of the Philippine Islands vice president Ma. Christina Go.