BAGUIO CITY – For many Cordillera entrepreneurs, artisans, and tourism workers, the 17th Regional Travel Expo served as more than a tourism exhibition. It was an opportunity to bring local products, indigenous crafts, and social enterprises to wider national markets.
The three-day event at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center gathered buyers, exhibitors, tourism stakeholders, and government agencies from all over the Philippines. Organizers pitched the fair as a platform for regional cooperation, local travel and local economic growth.
The exhibition, organized by the Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT), has involved 77 sellers, 56 buyers, tourism companies, local government units and regional tourism officials across the country.
The event opened on Friday, May 15, with a Business-to-Business (B2B) session aimed at connecting tourism stakeholders and expanding market opportunities through networking and business matching.
During Thursday’s B2B orientation, Acting Head of the Home Development Department of TPB Arnold T. Gonzales presented the agency’s “Empowering Industry Through Strategic B2B Linkage”, emphasizing how collaboration between businesses, government agencies and communities can expand market access, improve competition, and create sustainable economic opportunities.
Gonzales said tourism fairs and trade fairs help regional businesses connect with national and international buyers, while encouraging investment outside Metro Manila and creating livelihood opportunities in local communities.
He also highlighted the growing role of digital platforms, online marketplaces, and hybrid business events in expanding opportunities for MSMEs and tourism stakeholders.
Cordillera exhibitors said the fair gave them an opportunity not only to sell their products and services but also to preserve local culture, expand cooperation, and reach a wider audience in the region.
Among the participants were weaving businesses such as Narda’s Handwoven Arts & Crafts, Dinekkan Handcrafts, Mayat-an Handcrafts, and Inabel ni Ina, as well as local brands including Lather & Lore, Yuman Ka-ili Accessories, The Cordilleran Daughter coffee beans, and Amparo with Apotocand the Apotocand.
Lucia Catanes of Narda’s Handwoven Arts & Crafts said participating in the fair will help introduce Cordillera weaving traditions and hand-made products to younger generations and wider markets.
“Joining the Travel Show will really help Narda promote our creativity and what we do, especially for the next generation,” Catanes said.
For hospitality stakeholders, the event opened up opportunities for new tourism partnerships and promotion of destinations based on the Cordillera identity.
Ompong Palma, general manager of the Wright Park Hotel in Baguio, said the exhibition allowed the newly opened luxury property to showcase not only its residence but also its advocacy of local arts, environmental sustainability, and community involvement.
“With various tourism stakeholders at the fair, we get to introduce our brand of luxury and introduce our signature offerings and cultural programs such as our support for local art, environment, and community,” Palma said.
He added that the hotel hopes to establish partnerships with travel agencies, tour operators, and consumers while promoting tourism experiences based on Cordilleran heritage.
“We hope to establish partnerships with various travel agencies, tour operators and consumers to excite them that there is a new hotel in town, which not only offers luxury accommodation but is very much in touch with the Cordilleran heritage,” Palma said.
On Saturday, May 16, the exhibition was officially opened to the public, with DOT Deputy Secretary General Shalimar Hofer Tamano delivering a keynote message on behalf of Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay.
“At a time when many Filipinos are paying more attention to travel costs, programs like Regional Travel Expos become even more important,” Tamano said.
“By providing accessible and affordable travel opportunities, this event helps develop tourism businesses, generate jobs, and encourage Filipinos to rediscover the beauty of our own places,” he added.
Among those present during the opening ceremony were Baguio City Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, Atty. Jado Rafael Bognedon representing Congressman Mauricio Domogan, Gonzales, DOT-CAR Regional Director Jovita Ganongan, DOT-SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Director Nelia Arina, DOT-SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Director Marites Maguindra, Baguio City Council Co-Chair Creative Marie Venus Tan and Baguio City Council Tourism Officer Mapapara Aloy. – Rappler.com
