The 2023 Philippine Travel Mart (PTM), one of the biggest travel fairs in the country, is scheduled to take place from Sept. 1 to 3 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

In a press launch on Thursday, Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) President Fe Abling-Yu said this year’s travel fair would focus on promoting popular and emerging tourist destinations in the country.

The event will gather about 300 exhibitors from the 17 regions of the Philippines, including hotels, resorts, travel agencies, tour operators, and tourism offices.

As tourism slowly rebounds and months of lockdowns increase demand for travel, PHILTOA is optimistic that foot traffic for PTM will surpass last year’s around 60,000 visitors.

“This much awaited event will showcase the richness and diversity of our country’s destinations, experiences and cultures,” Abling-Yu said.

“It will serve as a platform to travel enthusiasts and industry professionals to connect, explore new opportunities and rekindle the spirit of wanderlust that unites us well,” she added.

Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Nograles, in the same event, recognized the role of events such as PTM in boosting economic growth.

“The PTM has unlocked the potential of our globally acclaimed and emerging destinations, providing greater investment and business opportunities for our tourism stakeholders,” she said.

“The TPB is fully committed to innovating and expanding our tourism portfolio, making traveling more exciting, inclusive and sustainable for both locals and tourists alike,” she added.

The PTM, PHILTOA said, is trying to entice Filipinos to discover “hidden gems” such as the Zamboanga Peninsula and the provinces of Quirino, South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City.

PTM will be held with support from the Department of Tourism and the TPB. (PNA)