The provinces of Siquijor, Camiguin and other popular and underrated Philippine destinations were featured in the world’s largest travel trade show, the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) 2024 Convention in Berlin, Germany.

The Philippine pavilion at the three-day show hosted business-to-business (B2B) meetings of the participating sellers from 28 private companies and booth visitors from different regions of the world, with spotlight also placed on Bohol, Cebu and Ilocos Sur.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday said Manila’s participation ensures that the presence of the Philippines is sustained for its international visitor source markets.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco led the Philippine delegation with 60 other co-exhibitors from the public and the private sector.

Among those who flew for ITB Berlin were Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Margarita Nograles, representatives from hotel and resort enterprises, destination management companies, travel and tour agencies, and government agencies such as the Philippine Retirement Authority and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.

Representatives from the local government units of Bohol, Camiguin, Siquijor, and Sipalay, Negros Occidental were also present.

“Our presence at ITB Berlin underscores our shared commitment to elevating and expanding the demand for Philippine tourism,” Frasco said.

“As one united Philippines delegation, we will showcase to the world the very best qualities of the Philippines — our distinct culture, our unique product offerings, and of course, our greatest asset — the warmth and love of the Filipino people,” she added.

ITB Berlin runs from March 5 to 7 at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds and is expected to welcome 24,000 attendees from across the globe. (PNA)