Ready to enter your travel era? Here’s what to expect from the PTAA Travel Tour Expo 2024
Mark your calendars, travel junkies. The 31st Travel Tour Expo (TTE) and the 9th International Travel Trade Expo will be coming back this February to address all your revenge travel needs.
With the theme “World within reach,” this year's expo will take place from Feb. 2 to 4 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City. The annual event organized by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) will once again showcase the latest travel destinations, with travel deals and exclusive discounts up for grabs.
Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming event.
Over 200 local and international exhibitors
More than 200 exhibitors and 702 booths are expected to participate in the travel expo. There will be booths from airlines, domestic, and international travel agencies, tour operators, hotels and resorts, cruise liners and shipping companies, and more. The event expects a turnout of 100,000 travel enthusiasts.
According to PTAA, there will be at least 68 sellers and 220 registered buyers coming from Australia, Balkan, China, Dubai, Egypt, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, Turkey, UAE, the US, and Vietnam.
Early access for cardholders
Event gates of the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex will open at 10:00 a.m. on the first day, and 9:30 a.m. on the second day. However, Unionbank cardholders will get early access and may avail of special rates from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Feb. 2.
Four halls will be occupied on the second floor of the SMX Convention Center for travel boards, agents, and businesses. All the halls will be open to the public on Feb. 2 and 3.
Packages and promos to the hottest destinations
Travel enthusiats can expect a diverse range of travel packages, accommodations, flights, exclusive discounts, and other travel-related services. The expo will offer packages and promos for new destinations, affordable tours, transportation, and accommodations, with various payment options to cater to every type of traveler.
According to PTTA, among the top destinations for local and foreign tourists within the Philippines are Palawan, Boracay, and Bohol, with Batanes emerging as a rising destination.
Korea and Japan top the list of international destinations that Filipinos want to travel to along with Hong Kong, Thailand, and Singapore for first-time local travelers. Meanwhile, high-end travelers often opt for European destinations.
Human connection from travel agencies
While booking trips via digital platforms has made travel more convenient, the travel expo will give attendees a chance to speak to travel agents who can provide personalized service and explain travel deals and packages more thoroughly.
Travel agents can provide a “human connection” and expertise to answer questions on specific destinations, misconnections, missing luggage, and insurance, among others.
In a press conference in Makati on Jan. 18, PTAA noted the rise of new travel trends such as gig tripping where fans travel to foreign countries to watch concerts; and set-jetting, which involves traveling to destinations featured as film locations in popular movies and television shows, which travel agencies can customize packages around.
Domestic and international flight deals
Travel enthusiasts can browse around and book flights from at least 19 airlines flying to different local and international destinations. Airlines include flag carriers and budget airlines of top destinations like South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and Vietnam, as well as Australia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Here's the latest list of participating airlines:
- Air Astana (the flag carrier of Kazakhstan)
- AirAsia
- AirSWIFT
- Asiana Airlines
- China Airlines
- Emirates
- Ethiopian Airlines
- EVA Air
- Japan Airlines
- Jeju Air
- Jetstar
- Korean Air
- Oman Air
- Philippine Airlines
- Qantas
- Starlux
- Sunlight Air
- Turkish Airlines
- Vietnam Airlines
The event will also host cultural performances, food bazaars, raffles, entertainment numbers, and other activities that showcase the rich culture and diversity of the Philippines.
Entrance tickets to the PTAA Travel Expo will cost P85 for general admission while senior citizens get a discounted rate of P65.
TTE 2024 is sponsored by the Tourism Promotions Board, Union Bank of the Philippines, Philippine Airlines, AirSwift Transport, Inc., TIEZA, PLDT, Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, Cebu Pacific, Millennial Resorts as well as Philippine STAR, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business Mirror, Foreign Post, Travel Update and Exhibits Today.
For more information, visit traveltourexpo.ptaa.org.ph.