Major travel trade shows set in September

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s biggest and most important travel trade event happens next month – the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX).

Organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) in line with its Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015 campaign, this year’s PHITEX will include a 2-day, power-packed conference on general tourism and MICE marketing. It is expected to bring together the different stakeholders in the tourism industry and endorse the country as an ideal destination for various international and high-level business and economic meetings.

“The tourism industry has made so much growth this year with the number of international tourist arrivals increasing by 8.15 percent since the start of the VPY2015 campaign last January. This is also complimented by the boost in the local tourism scene. This only proves that with enough support from the government and cooperation from the different stakeholders, the tourism industry can grow and compete in the international travel market,” shares TPB chief operating officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III.

Kick-starting the events is MICECON, the country’s largest assembly of local stakeholders in the Meetings, Incentive travel, Conventions, and Events/Exhibitions (MICE) industry, including hotel and resort owners, tour operators and decision-makers in the hospitality sector.

Taking place on Sept. 1-2 at the Manila Marriott Hotel, the two-day conference will showcase new developments, establishments and products in the country as well as advance its capabilities in targeting and handling the MICE market.

This will be followed by the 14th PHITEX on Sept. 3 at the same venue. An annual leading marketing congress, PHITEX aims to strengthen the country’s brand image and encourage participants to promote affordable and competitive tourism packages.

International buyers from Asia, the US, Europe and other parts of the world will be attending to meet and network with local sellers. Delegates will likewise be composed of MICE industry leaders who will discuss global trends in travel, tourism and marketing innovations.

Highlighting PHITEX 2015 are the TRAVEX sessions, which are exclusive business-to-business appointment meetings between Philippine sellers and foreign buyers. These sessions will not only showcase the country’s most competitive MICE and leisure products and services but will also provide foreign buyers the opportunity to experience fun and exciting post tours to main Philippine attractions and destinations.

Culminating this week-long event is the 26th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) on Sept. 4-6 at the SMX Convention Center. Organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), PTM is one of the major travel trade exhibitions in the promotion and marketing of domestic and inbound tourism. The event will attract buyers from all over the world as it presents the best and most affordable tour packages in the country.

“With the upcoming PHITEX, MICECON and PTM, we will once again prove that the Philippines is truly an important destination for international tourists, as well as sustain the success and growth of the tourism industry beyond VPY 2015,” adds Enerio.