JOEL C. ESCOL, Managing Editor
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The biggest travel expo in the country will take center stage in this city in July 2024, a top official of the Cagayan de Oro Travel and Tours Association (COTTA) said yesterday.
COTTA Charter President and Event Co-chairman Tito Mora said the PTAA travel expo Vismin edition will be the first expo outside of Metro Manila after exactly 31 years, and this will be held in “the City of Golden Friendship from July 19-21, 2024.”
Mora said the event will gather local and international airlines, hotels and resorts, tour operators, cruises to sell at promotional rates. The sellers during the event will be our very own travel agencies, and those coming from other areas in the Visayas and Mindanao. There will also be a B2B even where international tour operators will meet with our local travel agencies and bring the world closer to the City of Golden Friendship and the region.
Mora said on March 3, 2024, the PTAA and COTTA did not only jointly hold the press conference at Limketkai Luxe but they have also made a courtesy visit to the Office of Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy and DOT-10 Regional Director May Salvaña-Unchuan, and secured their full support for the upcoming event in Cagayan de Oro.
“Cagayan de Oro was chosen as the venue for the VisMin Edition, to be held on July 19-21,” Mora said. According to Mora, he was also appointed as co-chairman of the twin events, having been in the industry for more than 2 decades and is the only PTAA member in the City. He has partnered with Mr Jerome de la Fuente who did not lose time to commit Luxe Hotel and the LimketKai Atrium and Center to host the event
PTAA is the National Travel Association of the Philippines composed of travel agencies and tour operators in the country and associate and allied members such as airlines, hotels and other travel related industries, it was learned.
SCHEDULES OF THE EXPO
July 19:
-opening of the travel tour (B2C) and international travel trade (B2B) expos
-special general membership meeting, lakbay Pilipinas
July 20:
-travel tour (B2C) and international travel trade (B2B)expos
-city tour for PTAA members
-gala night for trade sellers and buyers
July 21:
-city tour for foreign trade sellers
-travel tour (B2C) and international travel trade (B2B)expos
PRESS CONFERENCE
During a press conference held on March 2 at Limketkai Luxe Hotel, PTAA Public Relations Officer (PRO) Jaison Yang highlighted Cagayan de Oro’s selection for this year’s convention due to its strategic proximity to various regional destinations.
With expectations set high, organizers anticipate the participation of 100 exhibitors and project a footfall of 40,000 visitors across the three-day event hosted at Limketkai Atrium. Councilor George Goking, leading the committee on commerce and trade, expresses optimism regarding the city’s capability to host national conventions.
The Philippine Travel Agencies Association views the international travel trade expo as a pivotal platform for expanding networks and fostering business growth within the Philippine travel industry, as stated by Yang.
Jerome dela Fuente, the general manager of Limketkai Luxe Hotel, played a crucial role in securing the convention for the city, persuading local organizers to extend the event from its original two-day plan to three days.
Recognized as a key figure in the local tourism sector, dela Fuente consistently attracts investors and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) organizers to Cagayan de Oro.
Stakeholders interested in participating in the convention are encouraged to reach out to the Philippine Travel Agencies Association secretariat at +63 8997 2063.
