Want to explore Spratly Islands? Score deals to emerging local destinations at this travel fair

This year, the fair aims to shine a light on “hidden gems” of the Philippines, including the Zamboanga Peninsula, Sarangani, Quirino, Cotabato, General Santos City, and Sultan Kudarat. Travel and tour packages from up-and-coming destinations in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Spratly Islands will be available exclusively at the event for on-the-spot bookings.

Want a chance to embark on a unique getaway to remote islands in the West Philippine Sea? Chartered expeditions to the Spratly Islands, organized by the Kalayaan Tourism Development Center, will offer a 7-day/6-night tour packages for Summer 2024 sailings.

The expedition begins in Puerto Princesa in Palawan and will have five destinations, including Lawak Island, Patag Island, and the famous Pag-asa Island as the tour highlights. 

Tour organizers are offering 10% off on packages for the Pag-Asa Summer Tours costing P27,000 and Kalayaan Fish and Dive Expeditions starting at P108,000. The cost of the expedition comes with full board meals, internet connection, gear for water sports and recreational activities. Installment plans will be available for onsite buyers at the fair.

Those eager to explore the vibrant culture, beaches, and food of Mindanao can also book tour packages from the BARMM region, comprising Basilan, Sulu, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, and Maguindanao del Norte, allowing travelers to visit multiple destinations more conveniently.

According to PHILTOA 1st Vice President, Mary Ann Ong, the domestic market continues to drive tourism in the Philippines as seen in the strong demand for package tours to popular destinations like Baguio, Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan.

“What the PHILTOA is trying to achieve by way of this fair is to entice Filipinos to discover hidden gems such as the Zamboanga Peninsula, Quirino, and Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos). These are just some of the places that are under the radar but deserve to be explored, appreciated, and enjoyed,” said Ong in a media release.

Participating airlines at the Philippine Travel Mart 2023 include Sunlight Express Airways, Cebu Air Inc., Philippine Airlines and Air Asia. Around 84 hotels and resorts have signed up as exhibitors including top hotels like Sunlight Hotels and Resorts in Culion, Amorita Resort in Bohol, and Tugawe Cove Resort in Camarines Sur.

The 34th Philippine Travel Mart is happening on September 1 to 3, 2023, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Tickets to the Philippine Travel Mart will be available at the gate. Regular tickets are priced at P50 per person and P40 for senior citizens and students. The event will be open to the public from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm on Friday and from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. 

For more information on the event, visit https://philtravelmart.com/