The 15th Regional Travel Fair (RTF), organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, concluded on a high note in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, achieving impressive results with PHP 116.4 million generated in sales leads and PHP 7.1 million in finalized negotiated sales. Taking place from August 15 to 17, 2025, the event served as a vibrant platform for collaboration, bringing together a diverse mix of public and private tourism stakeholders. Attendees participated in immersive familiarization tours, engaged in purposeful business networking sessions, and interacted with consumers, creating lasting partnerships and fostering the growth of the Philippine travel industry.
TPB officials Arnold T. Gonzales, Marivic M. Sevilla, and Cesar R. Villanueva, with Department of Tourism (DOT) Region II Director Dr. Troy Alexander Miano, DOT Region XI Assistant Director Judy Colaljo, and DOT Region XII Assistant Director Armin Hautea at the opening of the consumer fair.
The Regional Tourism Forum (RTF) played a pivotal role as a dynamic platform that actively promoted the unique tourist attractions, cultural heritage, and natural landscapes of the provinces in Region II, namely Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino. Through collaborative efforts, the RTF fostered regional partnerships, showcased local products and festivals, and contributed to the growth of tourism in these areas.
“Bringing the 15th Regional Travel Fair to Tuguegarao demonstrates our commitment to showcase the country’s stunning destinations and to foster the growth of domestic tourism,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “Cagayan Valley’s traditions and breathtaking landscapes offer travelers a truly immersive experience, and the RTF was a venue for us to connect local tourism stakeholders with a broader market. It’s through these strategic engagements that we build momentum in making intra-country tourism more visible.”
The business-to-business (B2B) sessions, held on August 15 at the Pulsar Hotel and Convention Center, attracted 50 buyers and 53 sellers or exhibitors from various sectors, resulting in over 1,400 scheduled business appointments. These sessions served as a platform for regional tour operators, travel agencies, accommodation providers, and representatives from local government tourism offices to establish partnerships. Participants introduced carefully curated travel packages and services aimed at enhancing Region II’s inbound tourism and driving economic development in the area. Notably, the event was graced by Cagayan Governor Edgar Aglipay, whose presence at the B2B opening underscored the provincial government’s commitment to supporting and promoting the growth of the local tourism industry.
Meanwhile, the business-to-consumer (B2C) fair held at Robinsons Tuguegarao on August 16–17 attracted approximately 2,500 visitors over the two-day event. Attendees took advantage of exclusive discounts on a variety of travel packages, airline tickets, and hotel accommodations, as well as opportunities to purchase locally made crafts and specialty products from the region. The fair’s opening ceremony featured notable guests, including Department of Tourism (DOT) Region II Director Dr. Troy Alexander Miano, DOT Region XI Assistant Director Judy Colaljo, DOT Region XII Assistant Director Armin Hautea, along with Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) officials Arnold T. Gonzales, Marivic M. Sevilla, and Cesar R. Villanueva, who each delivered remarks emphasizing the significance of tourism in regional development.
Throughout the fair, visitors engaged in interactive activities such as Travel Bingo, which encouraged participation and rewarded winners with various prizes. There were also engaging presentations and exhibitions from numerous DOT regional offices, showcasing unique tourist destinations and cultural highlights from across the country. Several sponsors supported the event with informative booths and product demonstrations, further enriching the fair’s atmosphere. Additionally, a series of insightful talks were held, including sessions focused on women empowerment in the tourism industry, highlighting success stories and mentorship opportunities, as well as discussions on disaster preparedness, offering practical strategies and sharing best practices for ensuring safe and resilient tourism operations.
Curated tours, organized alongside the formal sessions, provided delegates to the 15th RTF with an engaging exploration of Tuguegarao City and the broader Cagayan Valley. Participants trekked through the famous Callao Cave — a renowned natural site with historic limestone chambers and ancient archaeological sites — and cruised the scenic Pinacanauan River, a hub for ecotourism and birding. Additionally, the itinerary included visits to important historical sites, including the Spanish-era Horno Ruins, significant for its contribution to the region’s colonial legacy, and the Cagayan Museum, where artifacts, exhibits, and local art highlight the region’s ethnographic heritage. The tours finished in Ilagan City, Isabela, where delegates observed sustainable tourism efforts, including programs for community-managed eco-parks and historical tunnels like the Ilagan Japanese Tunnel, all reinforcing best practices in eco-tourism and local empowerment.
The success of the 15th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) in Tuguegarao City was made possible through the collaboration of the Department of Tourism Region II, the Province of Cagayan, Tuguegarao City, Ilagan City, and partners in the private sector, notably Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, 2GO, and Robinsons Tuguegarao. Their combined support provided a robust mix of tourism promotion and on-the-ground logistical support, enriching the visitors’ experience.
Looking ahead, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) announces the next Regional Travel Fair will be held in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on November 14–16, 2025. Palawan offers not only breathtaking seascapes—such as the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park—but also a living laboratory for conservation and sustainable tourism. The upcoming RTF aims to further connect travel professionals and highlight regional sites, promoting environmental stewardship and community-based tourism.
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