The SMX Convention Center is buzzing this weekend as the 36th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) opens its doors. Families compare flight promos, friends line up for raffles, and couples dream of getaways. Yet amid the excitement, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco reminded everyone that tourism is more than sales—it is about choosing light over darkness.
“Let us not let darkness prevail over the hope that lies across our destinations,” she said. “Despite our differences, there is one thing we all carry in common—our pride in being Filipino, our love for our country.”
A Travel Expo and a Celebration
Now in its 36th year, PTM is the biggest travel fair in the Philippines. Organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) and co-presented by the DOT and Tourism Promotions Board, it brings together more than 300 exhibitors and thousands of travelers.
PHILTOA President Arjun Shroff called the expo “a celebration of where Philippine tourism is headed,” emphasizing sustainability and more meaningful travel.
Long queues formed at the PAL booth, where young travelers compared notes on their first international trips—proof of how accessible flights are shaping new journeys.
For visitors, PTM means rare opportunities: PAL fares starting at ₱239, EastWest cardholder perks, and GCash’s quick travel services. Beyond the promos, there are raffles, cultural shows, and pet-friendly spaces that make the fair a festival as much as a marketplace.
The Power of Tourism
Frasco grounded the celebration with perspective. In 2024, nearly six million international visitors and 134 million domestic trips generated ₱3.86 trillion—almost nine percent of GDP. Tourism now sustains seven million jobs and supports ten million more families.
“These are not just statistics,” she said. “This is the vast power of tourism.”
Behind the gains are deliberate investments: 800 kilometers of new roads, airport upgrades and privatization, and fresh routes to Paris, Vancouver, Australia, and soon India. Frasco stressed that travel must remain both connected and affordable, pushing for rationalized ticket pricing.
Tourism With a Soul
Beyond infrastructure, Frasco underscored that culture is the heart of Philippine tourism. Through the Philippine Experience Program, the DOT has partnered with provinces to create packages that highlight not only scenery but heritage, food, and crafts.
She has visited every region—from Batangas to Tawi-Tawi—not just to launch projects but to listen, ensuring communities are active beneficiaries of tourism growth.Choosing Light
As she closed, Frasco returned to her central theme: amid political noise, it is tourism that can remind the world of Filipino pride and resilience.
Every trip booked, every peso spent on a small enterprise, every visitor welcomed is an act of light. PTM, she said, is not only about travel deals—it is about unity, hope, and the stories Filipinos choose to share.
So before the weekend ends, step into the halls of the Philippine Travel Mart. Book that long-awaited trip, support local tourism, and be part of the light we carry as a nation.
Quick Guide: PTM 2025
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When & Where: September 5–7, 2025, 10 AM–6 PM, SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Manila
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Tickets: ₱120 (philtravelmart.com/buyticket); EastWest cardholders get one FREE ticket
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Deals to Watch: PAL fares from ₱239 (domestic) / US$79 (international)
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What to Expect: Over 300 exhibitors, raffles, live shows, cultural showcases, and pet-friendly spaces
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Updates: @official_philippinetravelmart on Instagram & Facebook
