PTAA to hold 3-day travel expo on June 24-26

TRAVEL EXPO. The PTAA announces the staging of the 29th Travel Tour Expo from June 24 to 26. Big discounts will be offered on tour packages, including trips to newly reopened South Korea and Japan. (Photo courtesy of Joey Razon)

MANILA – The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) is set to stage one of the biggest travel expos in the Philippines, promising big discounts on tour packages, including trips to newly reopened South Korea and Japan.

At least 142 exhibitors will participate in the 29th Travel Tour Expo and the business-to-business travel trade mart 7th International Travel Trade Expo (iTTE), which will be held at the SMX Convention Center from June 24 to June 26.

“We’re offering or promoting all the destinations, locally and internationally, especially those that relaxed their protocols,” PTAA president Michelle Taylan told reporters in a Thursday briefing.

Cebu Pacific, one of the exhibitors, also promised flights to South Korea and Japan at a markdown price.

Arlene Tena, Cebu Pacific Passenger Sales & Distribution director, said Japan will allow the entry of tourists starting June 10, provided they book their trips through a Japan-accredited tour operator.

“Puwede na ang Filipinos, it’s just that for Japan, you have to buy a tour package from an accredited Japan tour operator. So starting June 10 puwede nang mag-file ng visa (Filipinos are now allowed, it’s just that you have to buy a tour package from an accredited tour operator. So starting June 10, you can already apply for a visa),” she said in an interview.

“As for Korea, it’s much more relaxed because they’ve already opened,” she added.

Apart from tours, offers at the expo also include accommodations and travel insurance. The PTAA estimates around 30,000 to 45,000 visitors in attendance for the three-day fair.

The ticket price is PHP50 for general admission and PHP30 for senior citizens.