Great Travel Deals at the 21st Philippine Travel Mart 2010

Looking for the best travel deals for your next vacation? Bargain hunters will surely enjoy this year’s cheap and affordable packages at the 21st Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) on September 3-5, 2010 at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall.

Get the chance to experience the best travel destinations in the Philippines as the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), together with the Department of Tourism, organizes the 21st Philippine Travel Mart.

Time flies so fast. I can still remember when I visited last year’s Philippine Travel Mart. Being the largest association of registered inbound and domestic tour operators, PhilTOA once again was able to gather tour operators, regions and provinces and various tourism sectors to offer tour packages that cater to the travel needs of different organizations.

These packages include some of the most must-visit places in the country like Cebu, Palawan, Boracay, El Nido, Ilocos’ Sagada, Davao, Coron, Cagayan De Oro, Bacolod, Camarines Sur, and Bicol in general.

“In line with the new administration’s vision for a better Philippines, we are constantly finding ways to promote Philippine tourism,…The 21st Philippine Travel Mart is the perfect venue for Filipinos to be aware of endless tourist attractions and destinations the country has to offer.” said Cesar Cruz, President PHILTOA.

Travel Packages on Sale and ‘Bid ng Bayan‘

Focusing on the tag line “The Philippines is on Sale,” the travel expo will offer different tours for different travelers such as the City Break packages which provide fun tours that range from 4 to 8 hours. The Manila Jeepney Experience is a 4-hour tour aboard an air-conditioned jeepney accompanied by an English-speaking guide in Filipiniana attire. The tour will visit nearby heritage sites that showcase the country’s rich history. Other City Break packages include a Binondo Culinary tour, Batangas Beach Tour, and others.

Food is such a close cousin of traveling. With this in mind, Kulinarya packages will offer food trips for a taste of delicious local cuisine like those from Pampanga (Philippine Food Capital), Mt. Banahaw, Quezon City, and the Laguna provinces.

For the more adventurous, the City Escape packages include overnight promos to places such as Tagaytay, Corregidor, and Banaue (UNESCO Heritage list).

Finally, the Island Getaways packages feature places like Laoag and Boracay which is considered as one of the best beaches in the world.

The travel mart also incorporates an innovative Bid ng Bayan. This is an online bidding system of numerous tour packages that starts from as low as P500.

Local Corporate Buyer’s Program

With corporate clients as one of the target audience, there would be a Local Corporate Buyer’s Program where options for fun team building activities for businesses or any incentive travel for employees will be readily available for easy-to-organize corporate outing and activities.

Tourism Quiz Bee, WOW Tour Guide contest & Cultural Dance Competition

The event will include seminars and cultural performances showcasing Filipino culture.

A Tourism Quiz Bee would also be held as an engaging way to learn more about the Philippines.  A screening for the WOW Tour Guide contest will also take place as part of the advocacy to groom destination guides around the Philippines.

A Cultural Dance Competition is also open to high school and college students who will perform traditional dances with a modern fusion.

Guests can also look forward to the Eco-Chorale, which is a group ensemble singing competition featuring the finest local talent from high school and college students. Lastly, local fashion designers will showcase their talent by recreating the traditional baro’t saya using indigenous materials.

Participants of the PTM are encouraged to use their creativity as the best eye-catching booths at the PTM will be recognized at the event’s Best Exhibit Display awards.

The 21st Philippine Travel Mart is supported by Philippine Tourism Promotion Board, Philippine Airlines, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Primer Group of Companies, Resorts World Manila, Smart Communications, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Citibank, Jeepney Tours, San Miguel Brewery, Patio Pacific Boracay, Marco Polo Davao, Two Seasons Resort Boracay, Shangri-La Mactan, The Legend Palawan, Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel and Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa.

Check out more details about The Philippine Travel Mart, visit www.PhilTravelMart.com.