LU TO JOIN PHILIPPINES’ BIGGEST TRAVEL FAIR

By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-PIO

As tourism continues to be major economic driver towards inclusive socio-economic growth, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) headed by Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III is set to participate in the upcoming 30th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) with the theme, “Fostering Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism,” on August 30 – September 1, 2019 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

La Union will once again take spotlight among the exhibitors in this largest and longest-running travel trade exhibition in the country. In this year’s PTM, the province is entitled to a pavilion booth space for three days to promote La Union’s destinations, products, events, and services to target visitors. Primarily, La Union’s Agri-Tourism destinations will be highlighted in support of Gov. Pacoy’s vision for La Union to be the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025.

PTM, an annual travel expo organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association with the support of the Department of Tourism provides a sneak-peak of the Philippines and Southeast Asia in one big exhibition hall showcasing and promoting destinations and featuring 5,000 products from all over the Philippines. It also includes direct meeting with the potential clients such as local corporate and foreign tour operators. PTM will also offer the "Sale ng Bayan” allowing consumers to make their dream vacations come true by allowing them to book and buy travel packages both for domestic and international trips at discounted rates.

For this 30th Anniversary of PTM, there will be over 250 exhibitors. Other participants include hotels/resorts, theme parks, airlines, and tours and travel agencies.

Tourism organizations in the province namely La Union Alliance of Travel and Tour Agencies, La Union Culture, Arts and Tourism Officers Association, La Union Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Association and Association of Active Tour Guides of La Union will reinforce PGLU contingents to man the pavilion and help market La Union as one of the top tourist destinations in the country.