Sellers, together with DOT Undersecretary Jumapao, during the B2C Opening of the
16th Regional Travel Fair.
The 16th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) lit up Puerto Princesa City, Palawan from November 14 to 16, 2025, as the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines brought together thousands of tourism stakeholders for one of the country’s most vibrant travel events. The fair generated over P130.1 million in sales leads, further spotlighting MIMAROPA—Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan—as the Philippines’ destination of choice.
Anchored on MIMAROPA’s tagline Your Destination of Choice, this year’s RTF highlighted the region’s unmatched natural beauty and cultural richness through a dynamic mix of exhibitions, business sessions, and immersive activities designed to inspire travel and fuel tourism growth.
TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles emphasized the fair’s impact, saying the RTF has long served as a catalyst for domestic tourism. “Each edition creates opportunities for meaningful partnerships while inspiring travelers to explore more of our country. Here in Puerto Princesa, we continue that mission through experiences designed to spark new collaborations, inspire wanderlust, and uplift local livelihoods.”
Maxima and Exotic Islands that can be visited during the Port Barton Island Hopping in San Vicente, Palawan.
The three-day event kicked off with business-to-business (B2B) sessions on November 14 at the Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa, hosting more than 2,000 business appointments between 52 accredited buyers and 67 sellers from travel agencies, tour operators, and key tourism enterprises. These sessions opened doors for fresh partnerships and stronger alliances within the tourism sector.
The event gathered notable guests including DOT Region XII Director Nelia Arina, DOT MIMAROPA Assistant Regional Director Gladys Quesea, Palawan Tourism Council President Rix Rafols, and TPB Domestic Promotions Department Acting Head Arnold Gonzales.
Representatives from various regions also showcased their unique attractions and cultural identities through engaging presentations. Delegates were later treated to the Groove in Blue welcome dinner, setting a festive tone for the fair.
The energy continued at Robinsons Palawan on November 15-16 for the business-to-consumer (B2C) sessions, where more than 4,000 visitors explored exclusive travel promos, joined lively travel bingo games, and enjoyed interactive tourism showcases featuring highlights from MIMAROPA and other regions.
The event was attended 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 Domestic Promotions–Sales Division Chief Cesar R. Villanueva.
Beyond the exhibits and business engagements, participants were treated to familiarization tours around Puerto Princesa. These visits highlighted eco-tourism sites and sustainable community enterprises, including the Iwahig Penal Farm, Mitra’s Ranch, Binuatuan Creations, and Baker’s Hill. Delegates also explored San Vicente, Palawan, where they experienced the pristine beaches and spectacular islands of Port Barton—one of the province’s rising tourism jewels.
The fair concluded with the symbolic turnover ceremony to the next host region, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), signaling another chapter in the RTF’s mission to build stronger, more inclusive tourism collaborations nationwide.
With the success of the 16th Regional Travel Fair, TPB reaffirms its commitment to empowering local tourism stakeholders and supporting the Department of Tourism’s goal of expanding and enriching travel opportunities across the Philippines.
