Int’l travel festival to bring in more tourism players, consumers

AN UPCOMING international travel festival is expected to bring in more tourism stakeholders, tourists, and tourism revenues to Cebu and the country.

“We are happy to note that our visitor rate has grown steadily and that we have provided positive results to our participating exhibitors,” said Stephanie Villahermosa, 3rd International Travel Festival (ITF) project director, in the event’s launching yesterday at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel.

She was referring to the three-day 3rd ITF, which will bring together 107 exhibitors including national tour operators, airlines, hotels, resorts, travel agents, financial institutions and insurance agents, at the Ayala Center Cebu from July 15 to 17.

During its first run in 2014, the 60 exhibitors then earned P12 million from credit card sales with the foot count reaching 270,000, according to Ayala Center Cebu’s matrix, the statement added.

The ITF hosted 82 exhibitors last year, said Villahermosa.

“It’s really gratifying for us knowing that the show has not only generated sales for exhibitors, but has likewise enabled them to reinforce their relationship proximity with their clients,” she added.

The three-day exhibit this year will carry the theme “Don’t Dream, Just Go.”

Villahermosa said travel tour packages for Japan, Hongkong, Singapore, Taipei, Dubai, and Australia have been a hit among buyers in the last two years.

In the domestic market, Villahermosa said Boracay, Palawan, and Bohol are among the favorites.

She encouraged consumers to also patronize emerging tourist destinations such as the Caraga region, known for enchanting waterfalls, captivating rivers, and naked islands as well as Eastern Visayas.

“We are also encouraging the regional offices of the Department of Tourism to let their presence be felt so consumers learn more about these destinations,” Villahermosa added.

She said that they are expecting consumers not only from Cebu, but the rest of Central Visayas as well.

On July 14, organizers will also hold the 2nd Cebu Travel Exchange (CTX) at Radisson Blu in Cebu City as precursor to the 3rd ITF.

The CTX is a business-to-business session among ITF exhibitors from the airline industry, hotels, resorts, and travel agencies, said Villahermosa.

She added that the 2nd CTX promises to be a big affair as 30 international buyers from different Asean countries, India and the Middle East will attend the event this year.

“This will allow them to experience first hand the wealth of attractions and the warmth of Cebuanos,” she said in a speech.