The 13th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) concluded its highly successful run in General Santos City, generating P385.5 million in sales leads and P21.232 million in actual negotiated sales.
The event, held from Sept. 27 to 29, 2024, established vital connections among industry stakeholders while showcasing the SOCCSKSARGEN region’s potential as a premier travel destination.
Organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the RTF is a key initiative designed to promote domestic tourism by highlighting the unique attractions and services of host regions.
“We are delighted with the results of this year’s Regional Travel Fair,” said TPB chief operating officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.
“The strong sales figures underscore a growing interest in domestic tourism, particularly in underexplored areas like SOCCSKSARGEN. This event has illustrated the region’s vast potential, and we eagerly anticipate more travelers discovering its hidden treasures,” she said.
The RTF featured business-to-business (B2B) sessions on Sept. 27 at the Green Leaf Hotel, where 135 sellers from across the Philippines engaged with 50 buyers to foster partnerships and discuss emerging travel trends. Local tourism officials provided crucial updates and insights regarding the region’s attractions and tourism offerings.
Business-to-consumer (B2C) sessions took place at SM City General Santos from Sept. 28 to 29, attracting around 4,000 visitors who explored local artisan products and took advantage of exclusive deals on tour packages, airline tickets, and accommodations.
Attendees were treated to vibrant cultural performances and engaging activities such as Travel Bingo and the Tourism Quiz Bee, while various DOT regional offices and event partners showcased the latest tourism updates.
