The 16th Regional Travel Fair, organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, was successfully held in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, from November 14-16, 2025, generating more than PHP 130.1 million in sales leads.
Channeling the tagline of the host region – MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan), “Your Destination of Choice”, the 16th RTF showcased the natural beauty and diversity of Region IV-B through a dynamic program that combined business engagement and tourism exhibitions.
“Since 2018, the RTF has been a driving force in promoting domestic tourism. Each edition creates opportunities for meaningful partnerships within the tourism sector, while also inspiring travelers to explore more of our country,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “Here in Puerto Princesa, we continue that mission through experiences designed to spark new partnerships, inspire travelers, and uplift local livelihoods. It’s about building a future for tourism that is inclusive and full of opportunities.”
The business-to-business (B2B) sessions on November 14, held at the Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa, facilitated over 2,000 business appointments between 52 accredited buyers and 67 sellers representing travel providers, tour operators, and other tourism stakeholders. The sessions provided a platform for forging partnerships among key players in the tourism industry.
Present in the event are Department of Tourism (DOT) Region XII Director Nelia Arina, DOT MIMAROPA Assistant Regional Director Gladys Quesea, Palawan Tourism Council President Rix Rafols, TPB Domestic Promotions Department Acting Head Arnold Gonzales, among others.
Tourism representatives from MIMAROPA and other regions actively participated through presentations that highlighted their distinct attractions and cultural identities.
Invited buyers, exhibitors, and tourism stakeholders also attended the Groove in Blue welcome dinner, an evening of entertainment participated in by the members.
The business-to-consumer (B2C) sessions held at Robinsons Palawan, on November 15-16, 2025, drew more than 4,000 visitors who explored exclusive travel deals, participated in travel bingo segments, and engaged with interactive tourism presentations showcasing the best attractions of MIMAROPA and other participating regions.
The event was graced by DOT Undersecretary for Special Projects Ferdinand C. Jumapao, Puerto Princesa City Councilor Patrick Hagedorn, Palawan Provincial Committee on Cultural Heritage and Tourism Development Chairperson Roseller Pineda, and TPB Philippines Domestic Promotions–Sales Division Chief Cesar R. Villanueva.
Beyond the fair, the RTF also featured familiarization tours around Puerto Princesa City, which immersed participants in eco-tourism attractions and sustainable community enterprises, such as the Iwahig Penal Farm, Mitra’s Ranch, Binuatuan Creations, and Baker’s Hill. The tour also extended to San Vicente, Palawan, wherein the participants enjoyed the beautiful beaches and magnificent islands of Port Barton.
The event concluded with a turnover ceremony to the next host of the RTF – the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). This marks another milestone in TPB’s ongoing efforts to strengthen tourism collaborations nationwide.
With the success of the 16th Regional Travel Fair, TPB remains committed to building strong partnerships and supporting the Department of Tourism’s goal of expanding tourism opportunities nationwide.
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