Expo aims to drive inbound and outbound travel growth

CEBU, Philippines — Over a hundred companies from various sectors of the travel and tourism industry are gearing up to showcase exclusive deals and packages in what is expected to be a landmark event for the sector, the 9th annual Cebu Travel Catalogue International (CTCI), which is set to take place from February 14-16, 2025, at the Ayala Center Cebu

Organized by the Cebu Tours and Travel Alliance (CTTA) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT-7), the Cebu City Tourism Commission, and the Cebu Alliance of Tour Operation Specialists (CATOS), the three-day exhibition aims to stimulate travel activity in both outbound and inbound markets.

This year’s theme, “Travel Beyond Limits!”, underscores the growing demand for immersive travel experiences, catering to a diverse range of travelers.

CTTA President Alan Carvajal said in a press conference that CTCI 2025 will feature participation from key industry players, including airlines, cruise operators, hotels, resorts, and financial institutions, all offering a comprehensive range of travel solutions.

“This year’s exhibition is designed to make travel more accessible and affordable. Attendees will gain access to exclusive discounts, expert advice, and travel packages tailored to different budgets and interests,” Carvajal said.

CTCI 2025 will be the first event to fully utilize Ayala Center Cebu’s expanded event space, providing exhibitors with a dynamic and immersive environment to showcase their offerings. The expansion is expected to enhance networking opportunities and further boost the event’s impact on the tourism sector.

Among the major sponsors and participants this year are leading airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Cathay Pacific, all set to offer exclusive deals and travel insights. Tourism boards from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea will also be present to promote their destinations.

Adding to the event’s prestige, banking partner RCBC will provide exclusive financial services, while event services will be powered by technology solutions from Amadeus and PLDT.

Luxury hotels and resorts, including Cebu Safari Adventure Park, El Mar Resort, Jpark Island Resort Alona, NUSTAR Hotel Cebu, Club Wyndham, Golden Sands Destination Resort, and The Reef Island Resort, will offer attendees firsthand insights into their world-class accommodations and attractions.

Angelita Dy, CTTA chairperson and vice president, emphasized that the event will cater to all types of travelers, from family vacationers to solo adventurers, with tailored packages and expert travel guidance available on-site.

Meanwhile, CATOS President Alice Queblatin underscored the increasing importance of travel exhibitions, especially as Cebu continues to establish itself as a key tourism hub for both domestic and international markets.

“Filipino families are traveling more than ever, and we are seeing a rise in multigenerational travelers. This has led travel operators to innovate and enhance their offerings to cater to this growing market segment,” Queblatin noted.

Tour operators also observed a growing interest in Filipino family group travels to Asia, particularly to destinations like Vietnam, further driving demand for competitive travel packages and financing options.

CTCI 2025 is expected to play a crucial role in meeting this demand by providing exclusive accommodation deals, airline promotions, and low-interest travel financing options through participating banks, like Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), among others.

With a robust lineup of exhibitors and an expanding market of travel enthusiasts, CTCI 2025 is poised to set new benchmarks in the tourism industry and reinforce Cebu’s position as a premier travel hub in the region.