Over 100 exhibitors at 9th ITF Cebu to ignite passion for travel

CEBU CITY— The 9th International Travel Festival (ITF) 2024 opens May 3 to 5 at the Pacific Grand Ballroom, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel with 160 booths and more than 100 exhibitors to ignite one’s passion for travel.

ITF organizers highlighted the unique experiences and unforgettable memories that can be found within the Philippines and they emphasized the importance of exploring the hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes within the country, and expressed gratitude to the organizers for bringing exhibitors and tourism destinations together

“ITF 2024 dedicates to promoting unforgettable journeys and experiences with traveling and exploring the country’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.  Embrace the boundless possibilities that travel affords us,” Matt Poonin, ITF organizer and my Eventology partner said.

Cebu City Tourism Council head, Atty. Joy Pesquera lauded my Eventology and the ITF 2024 organizers for bringing these exhibitors and specially from the different regions of our country-- hotels, airlines and tourism destinations, paving the way for unforgettable journeys and memorable experience.

“Let us embark on this journey of discovery, let us work connections, create memories and wave tales of adventures and transcends time and space. Together, let us celebrate the joy of exploration and the magic of wanderlust,” Pesquera, in her opening message said.

DOT keynote message

Department of Tourism OIC-Chief of Staff and concurrent Undersecretary, Shalimar Hofer Tamano, in his keynote message emphasized the importance of showcasing the beauty of the Philippines and transforming it into a tourism powerhouse in Asia.

Tamano highlighted DOT’s efforts in enhancing every tourist experience through infrastructure, digitalization, and accessibility, as well as the impact of tourism on the economy and society and the need to prioritize sustainable tourism practices to ensure the long-term growth and development of the industry.

“DOT’s action agenda as emphasized by our secretary Christina Garcia Frasco is to continue developing tourist areas and infrastructure to improve the travel experience; enhance the Philippine Tourism website and call center services to provide seamless travel assistance,” Tamano bared.

He specially mentioned the economic and cultural significance of the country’s tourism, thus there are other vital programs that DOT pushes, including the expansion of air route connectivity within the Philippines and internationally and foster collaboration between national and local governments and private stakeholders to support sustainable tourism development, Tamano shared.

The latest significant tourism agenda is the commitment of the Marcos administration in transforming the Philippines into a powerhouse in Asia by enhancing and transforming the country’s digital space via seamless internet connectivity to ensure that assistance and information are just a tap away or call away anytime, anywhere in the country, Tamano said.

What to expect at the 9^th ITF 2024 in Cebu

According to the organizers, expect an immersive experience at the ITF 2024 in Cebu with promos and low-down discounts in travel fares, hotel and resorts stay and ease of travel with travel agencies, visa specialists, local government units and tourism boards under one roof in assisting everyone, celebrating the “Love To Travel” as this year’s ITF theme.

The IT brand in Cebu showcases four distinct programs that included the following:

1.    IT is a Travel Consumer Show and is everything travel and more. Vacation, pilgrimage, group or corporate travel, collective departures, free individual all types of travelers.

2.    Cebu Travel Exchange (CTX)- The 5h edition of this business to business networking event will provide business opportunities in the tourism industry chain on May 2 at the Arctic Room of the Waterfront Cebu City from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM.

3.    Tourism Students Day (TSD) - a gathering of Cebu's top performing universities and colleges in Cebu with Tourism and Hospitality Courses as they engage in various academic and non-academic activities like Tour Guiding competition, quiz bow.  Essay Writing, dance palabas, tourism idol and more on May 2.

4.    ITF Food City - As wise men would say: "Travel and food go hand in hand.  One cannot fully experience a destination without tasting its cuisine". Aside from the travel trade exhibition component, ITF 2024 also have a destination food court at the Exhibition Hall for ready to eat, safe, clean and to enjoy distinct flavors and tastes from different parts of the globe.

On May 5, children will be treated to a meet and greet photo opportunity with Cebu's premiere mascots live, reminiscent of popular themed parks of the world.  “Love travel. Love food. Eat well. Travel often,” ITF 2024 organizers concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)