Thirty Sixth Philippine Travel Mart Set to Showcase Best of the Philippines with Exclusive Discounts and Cultural Wonders

Written By: Poulomi Sinha

Poulomi Sinha

I am a passionate travel writer and digital content creator dedicated to bringing the past vividly to life for modern explorers. I specialize in cultural tourism and historical storytelling, creating engaging, well-researched content that blends education with compelling narratives. My deep fascination with history and heritage preservation has led me to actively participate in heritage workshops, where I have gained hands-on experience in architectural conservation and community-led cultural initiatives. As a writer for a prominent online travel magazine, I transform destinations into immersive stories, uncovering the hidden histories behind ancient landmarks and heritage sites while inspiring readers to explore their rich cultural significance.

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August 26, 2025 12:40 GMT+5:30

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The SMX Convention Centre in Pasay City will host the 36th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM), which is acknowledged as the biggest and most established travel trade show in the nation, from September 5 to 7, 2025. The Philippine Travel Operators Association (PHILTOA) is organising the event, which is expected to be a noteworthy occasion for both the general public and tourism industry professionals. From immaculate beaches to energetic cityscapes and all points in between, the Philippine Travel Mart seeks to showcase the country’s varied cultural and travel offerings.

This year’s PTM, the nation’s most anticipated travel event, will provide guests with an impressive opportunity to peruse exclusive travel offers. Tour packages, lodging, and a range of travel activities will all be discounted by up to 60%, making it a fantastic chance for anyone wishing to visit the Philippines on a budget. PTM is a fantastic opportunity for people working in the travel and tourism sector to network, establish business alliances, and talk about potential future developments in the field.

A Strategic Push for Domestic Tourism

The Philippine Travel Mart is not just about exploring travel deals—it also aims to promote the beauty and diversity of the Philippines as a top travel destination. This year’s event will continue the effort to boost domestic tourism, ensuring that Filipinos have access to affordable travel experiences within their own country. In recent years, more emphasis has been placed on rediscovering local gems across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. As a platform, PTM has long encouraged local travel through initiatives designed to make exploring the Philippines both accessible and affordable for everyone.

The Philippine Travel Mart has been recognised as a key player in connecting travel operators with consumers, providing a space where visitors can book discounted deals and learn about new travel offerings. At the same time, it supports the sustainability of local communities by promoting responsible travel that benefits local economies and preserves the country’s rich natural resources.

Government Support and Tourism Initiatives

The event’s recent launch in August 2025 was attended by key government officials, including the tourism secretary, who underscored the administration’s commitment to improving the tourism sector. In her speech, the official outlined the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s tourism infrastructure, such as upgrading airports and ensuring seamless travel experiences for visitors. The government has also prioritised increasing the competitiveness of the Philippines as a tourist destination through various initiatives like the forthcoming visa-free entry privilege for Indian nationals and the introduction of a digital nomad visa.

A major development announced by the government is the VAT Refund Scheme, which is expected to be launched by the end of 2025 or early 2026. This will further incentivise international tourists to visit the Philippines, making it a more attractive destination for travellers from around the globe. The Tourism Department is also enhancing its digital platforms, including the development of the Travel PH app, which aims to make travel planning and booking more convenient for both locals and tourists.

The government’s collaborative approach was emphasised as essential for the growth of the tourism industry. By working closely with private sector players like PHILTOA, tourism development can be fostered at all levels, from infrastructure to service delivery. The partnership between the government and the travel industry is seen as a cornerstone of the nation’s ongoing success in the global tourism market.

A Platform for the Travel Industry

The 36th Philippine Travel Mart will be much more than just a venue for travel discounts—it is an event aimed at strengthening the Philippine travel sector’s relationships with both local and international travel providers. The event will showcase a wide range of travel options for those looking to experience the Philippines, from well-known tourist destinations to hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

At the heart of the Travel Mart is its role in facilitating trade within the travel industry. Tour operators, airlines, hotel chains, and other travel-related businesses come together during this exhibition to network, negotiate, and finalise deals that will shape the future of the industry. This year, visitors can expect to see a wide array of promotions, including airfare deals, hotel discounts, and exclusive travel experiences tailored to various preferences and budgets.

The Philippine Travel Mart also serves as a platform for smaller, regional travel agencies to gain exposure and showcase the lesser-known attractions of the country. By opening up opportunities for all sizes of operators to participate, the event helps diversify the country’s tourism offerings and promotes inclusive growth across all regions of the Philippines.

Corporate Partnerships That Drive the Event

The 36th Philippine Travel Mart is made possible through the support of key corporate partners who share PHILTOA’s vision of empowering Filipino travellers and promoting local tourism. Among the significant supporters of the event are EastWest Bank, Philippine Airlines, and GCash, each of which plays an integral role in making travel easier and more accessible to the public. These partnerships are pivotal in ensuring the success of the Philippine Travel Mart, providing the financial and logistical support necessary to stage such a large-scale event.

EastWest Bank, for example, plays a vital role in helping facilitate transactions for both businesses and consumers during the event. Philippine Airlines, as the country’s flag carrier, ensures that travel to and from the event is smooth and affordable, while GCash, the popular mobile wallet, provides an easy and secure way for visitors to make purchases and bookings at the event. Their combined efforts contribute significantly to the overall success of the Travel Mart.

Conclusion: The Future of Philippine Travel

The Philippine Travel Mart has long been an essential component of the nation’s travel scene, offering travellers amazing discounts on local experiences while serving as a platform for the promotion of domestic travel. Events like PTM are essential to introducing people to the nation’s varied travel destinations as the tourism sector continues to rebound and expand.

The Philippine Travel Mart is predicted to continue to be a pillar of the nation’s tourism promotion strategy with the ongoing assistance of the government and industry players, bringing more tourists to the Philippines and guaranteeing the sector’s sustainable growth. PTM provides an unmatched chance to experience the best that the Philippines has to offer, regardless of your level of travel experience, while taking advantage of special discounts and promotions.

[Image Source: PHILTOA]