Roxas City Hosts Successful Regional Travel Fair, Elevating Capiz and Visayas’ Tourism Potential: What Travelers Need to Know

Published on November 3, 2024

The 14th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) in Roxas City, Capiz, concluded successfully with an impressive P348.5 million in sales leads and P20.67 million in direct sales, according to the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB). The three-day event, held from October 18-20, served as the final RTF leg for 2024, spotlighting Western Visayas’ diverse tourism offerings and fostering significant business connections.

Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Chief Operating Officer of the TPB, praised the event’s impact on domestic tourism, noting that it “provided a deeper appreciation for our rich local culture and diverse destinations” while underscoring the economic potential of the Philippines’ domestic travel sector. “We are thrilled by the enthusiastic response from industry stakeholders and the public, and we remain committed to connecting travelers with the hidden gems of our country,” Nograles added.

Boosting Tourism Through B2B and B2C Engagements

The RTF included business-to-business (B2B) sessions with 65 sellers and 49 buyers, facilitating over 5,167 appointments. Provincial representatives from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental showcased their tourism products and unique cultural heritage, building strong partnerships to promote the Visayas as a prime travel destination.

In addition, the business-to-consumer (B2C) sessions held on October 19-20 at Robinsons Roxas attracted around 4,000 visitors, who seized travel deals and promotions from participating exhibitors, further boosting domestic tourism in the region.

Cultural Tours Highlight Capiz’s Attractions

Following the B2B and B2C events, participants, media, and influencers embarked on a tour of notable regional attractions, including the historic Pan-ay Church, the scenic Palina Greenbelt Ecopark river cruise, and the bustling Banica Dried Fish Market, famous for its seafood.

The success of the 14th RTF was a collaborative effort involving the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI, the City of Roxas, and the Province of Capiz, with the support of major partners such as 2GO, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and Robinsons Roxas.

This year’s RTF has not only stimulated economic activity but also showcased the potential of Western Visayas as a vibrant, culturally rich tourist destination. With growing support from both private and public sectors, the region continues to position itself as a must-visit destination in the Philippines.