Bigger PHITEX 2016 | Tourism Promotions Board

More than 200 international buyers from across 35 countries, together with Philippine sellers of travel and tourism products and services from 132 companies across the country, gathered at the Marriot Hotel Manila for the most important annual travel trade event in the country, the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2016.

Presented by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and the Department of Tourism (DOT), PHITEX served as a venue for business-to-business (B2B) sessions between international buyers and local sellers. The event aims to broaden the chance of interaction, as well as encourage in-depth discussions on tourism and travel trade opportunities.

The event was graced by the newly-appointed DOT Secretary Wanda Corazon Tulfo-Teo. She was joined in by DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon, Jr., DOT Assistant Secretary Ricky Alegre, TPB COO OIC Joselito Gregorio, TPB OIC Deputy COO for Marketing and Promotions Maricon Basco-Ebron and PHITEX Deputy Secretary General Susana J. Del Mundo in welcoming the international delegation.

“PHITEX will only grow stronger and more competitive through the coming years with the continuous commitment and dedication of everyone – our partners, buyers and sellers. Your immeasurable support only fuels us to push and go further,” remarked Secretary Teo.

On top of the B2B sessions, buyers also experienced the country’s world-famous entertainment from renowned Filipino performers such as the 36-year old festival dance company Buganda Dancers and Drumbeaters, multi-awarded ballet dancers Candice and Carissa Adea, World Champion violinist Juleous and Asia’s Got Talent season 1 Grand Finalist, Junior New System.

Fun and exciting tours that include inspection of hotels, entertainment and convention venues and facilities around the country’s capital and top tourist attractions and destinations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao were made available to the participants.

Now on its 15th year, PHITEX has gained popularity and recognition in the global tourism market. By making the event bigger and better, TPB is giving foreign travelers more reasons to visit the Philippines again.

Led by Philippine Airlines as the official flag carrier, and Marriott Hotel Manila, PHITEX 2016 is also supported by TTG Asia as the official media partner, Manila Bulletin and Philippine Daily Inquirer. Other sponsors include Resorts World Manila, Diamond Hotel, Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Duty Free Philippines, Philippines Craft Distillers (LAKAN), Marco Polo Manila, Seda Bonifacio Global City, Bellevue Resort, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Fairmont Makati, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Radisson Blu Cebu, Park inn by Radisson, Plaza del Norte and The Mind Museum.

See more Bigger PHITEX 2016 photos here.