BARMM showcases heritage, tourist spots in PH travel mart

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COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro government is making its presence felt in the tourism industry as it participated in the 30th Philippine Travel Mart at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is among the country’s vibrant tourist destinations through its rich culture, heritage, colorful tradition, and rich marine resources, among others.

“These are showcased in the Bangsamoro Pavilion of the Travel Mart venue,” Shalimar Candao, BARMM’s Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (MTIT) department head, said in a statement Friday.

The 30th Philippine Travel Mart started on August 30 and will end on September 1.

The pavilion, designed by Candao herself, features unique products, traditional music, and cultural costumes and dances that can only be found in the BARMM provinces.

The BARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, the cities of Cotabato, Marawi, Lamitan; and the 63 villages in six towns of North Cotabato.

“We are showcasing to the world our rich art, music, and literature in this event,” Candao said.

She added that the BARMM exposition also offers tour packages that would gauge the region’s successful participation in the activity.

“There are booths from which visitors can buy food and non-food items that are unique to the region,” Candao said, adding that the BARMM will also host a cultural presentation on the last day of the exposition.

Organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa), the Philippine Travel Mart is an annual activity that aims to promote and develop domestic and inbound tourism.

This year’s Travel Mart is packed with more than 250 exhibitors from various regions, hotels/resorts, airlines, theme parks, and travel agencies.

Carrying the theme “Fostering Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism”, the Philtoa supports environmental protection by advocating the use of electronic boards rather than non-biodegradable materials in its marketing collaterals.