The recently concluded Philippine Travel Exchange held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom strengthened the country’s travel and trade opportunities with the international market.

“PHITEX is the biggest government-hosted trade event in the country. I am sure each of our prospective buyers will love every moment of their stay here in the country especially when they get to experience Filipino hospitality,” said tourism secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who led the officials who welcomed foreign delegates to the event.  

Joining Romulo-Puyat was Tourism Promotions Board officer-in-charge Arnold Gonzales.  

Lending them a hand were DoT spokesperson Benito Bengzon Jr., DoT regional director for CAR Venus Tan, DoT assistant secretary Verna Buensuceso, Department of Foreign Affairs assistant secretary Leo Herrera-Lim, Department of Transportation assistant secretary Mark Steven Pastor, and Pacific Asia Travel Association–Philippine chapter secretary general Dakila Gonzales.

“Our valuable guests are in for a great experience to discover why it is more fun in the Philippines and why they should include the country in their respective markets’ tour packages,” said Gonzales. 

Over 200 international buyers from 30 countries, together with more than 220 local sellers, converged at the event’s venue. 

Aside from business-to-business sessions, the international buyers were also entertained with amazing cultural performances by the Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild and Princess Rivera Virtudazo. They were also treated to Filipino cuisine prepared by renowned chefs. 

TPB further impressed the foreign delegates with special tours in Laguna, Tagaytay, Iloilo, Bacolod, Bicol, Ilocos, Dumaguete, Siquijor, Palawan, and Davao.