The Province of Ilocos Norte has again carved its place among premiere tourist destinations in the Philippines as it recorded potential sales for trip tickets, accommodation, tour packages, transportation rentals, and events, including those of local products, amounting to Php 9.5 million during the 33rd Philippine Travel Mart from September 30 to October 2, 2022, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City.
The Philippine Travel Mart, hosted by the Philippine Travel Operators Association (PhilTOA), is the biggest and longest-running travel trade exhibition in the country.
This year, the “returning” in-person event featured 12 regions of the Philippines and 300 exhibitors from the tourism, hospitality, and travel and tour industries. Ilocos Norte’s booth stood out by featuring the megalithic Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and the Ilocos Norte windmills.
Of the Php 9.5 million potential sales of Ilocos Norte, Php 4,394,520 worth of travel tickets, accommodation, tour packages, events, and visas, and Php 58,000 worth of food and non-food products, compose the province’s actual sales.
“Our diverse options for travel packages and the very adventure that comes along with our province’s culture, food, and natural wonders enticed eager travelers in the three-day travel trade fair,” Mr. Xavier Ruiz, Senior Tourism Officer of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, said.
Present at the event were Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos and Congressman Angelo Marcos Barba, representing the Provincial Government. Moreover, tourism ambassadors Ms. Jamie Herrel, Miss Earth 2014, and Michelle Dy, a mega influencer from Bangui, Ilocos Norte, graced the second day of the exhibition, drawing a crowd as they promoted their “favorites” and “must-sees.”
Ilocos Norte’s participation at the Travel Mart is expected to strengthen the province’s tourism network, boost tourism-oriented businesses, and sustain local enterprises.
The event generated 53,000 in foot traffic and Php 60 million in total sales, according to PhilTOA.－Edison Justin B. Deus, PGIN-CMO
