Cebu Travel Catalog Int’l 2025 raises over P100M estimated revenues, offers “travel beyond limits” experiences

CEBU CITY –More than P100M estimated revenues raised from the three-day Cebu Travel Catalogue International (CTCI) 2025 on February 14-16 at the Atrium of Ayala Mall Cebu, with about 80 participating brands representing airlines, tourism boards, hotels, and travel agencies in Central Visayas with an estimated overall mall foot traffic of more than 120,000 walk-in crowd and clients inquiring, buying and booking for travel opportunities, exclusive deals/promos for future travels and immersive experiences.

This is the 9^th CTCI hosted by the Cebu Tours and Travel Alliance (CTTA) in collaboration with DOT Region 7, Cebu City Tourism Commission, CATOS, and Ayala Center Cebu with this year’s theme. “Travel Beyond Limits” to continuously showcase CTCI to be the leading gateway for Cebuanos and Filipinos to turn travel dreams into reality.

“This year, we are encouraging travelers to push past boundaries and seek adventure without hesitation. Our shared passion for travel transcends borders and brings people together in extraordinary ways. For nine years, CTCI has served as a gateway to new journeys, connecting travelers with destinations that inspire and experiences that transform,” CTTA President Alan Carvajal said at the CTCI opening event.

Baby Dy, CTCI 2025 chairperson encourages everyone to embark on another exciting journey in the world of travel and tourism as she declared the event open on February 14, Valentine’s Day.  “Embrace the limitless wonders that await. Keep your eyes open and your hearts ready, for the world is vast, beautiful, and waiting to be explored,” Dy added.

The 3-day event was replete with exclusive airfare and travel package deals, interactive booth experiences, and engaging activities such as a Valentine Travel Concert, a thrilling Travel Auction, and exclusive promos from participating exhibitors.

Dy mentioned that major airlines like Philippine Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Cathay Pacific offered special fares, while top resorts and hotels including Cebu Safari & Adventure Park, Club Wyndham, Golden Sands Destination Resorts, The Reef Island Resort, and NUSTAR Hotel Cebu put up exciting vacation packages. Event services were further enhanced by RCBC, Amadeus, and PLDT.

Clients’ engaging comments about CTCI exhibition

Several families this writer met and asked what they think of the event said, “grabe kaayo kay daghang travel promos and sales, especially those high-end hotels and resorts as well as air promo tickets to various destinations in the world.”

A retired couple from Barili town gushed at the “unbelievably low prices and promos” from airline tickets and resorts accommodations.  The couple bought tickets and vacation accommodation for Palawan, Taiwan and Korea.  “We will spend some of our retirement benefits to travel together since our kids have their own families. It’s our time to travel and be totally free!” they told this writer.

“Karon na jud ko maka experience og Palawan and Japan, kay these are my dream countries,” said a young newly-married couple. “Next year, Korea, China, Canada, mag savings sa mi,” they said.

The most engaging comments from the crowd include; “We always look forward to these kinds of events because we realize, we can afford to travel kay daghan man promos and deals.”  “Those high-end hotels and resorts that we think are expensive, they offer lower or even lowest rates that are very affordable for middle-income workers like us,” a group of young ladies said.

Suffice it to say that the 9^th CTCI 2025 opened and closed with a bang describing it as a gateway to new journeys, connecting travelers with inspiring destinations and transformative experiences. The travel industry's innovation and adaptation are highlighted, ensuring the industry remains vibrant and primed for new memories.

Judy Gabato, Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VII regional director aptly described CTCI 2025 as a testament to the enduring power of tourism, emphasizing its role in global travel, economic growth, and community development.

“I express my gratitude to the organizers, exhibitors, and participants for their commitment to strengthening the Cebu tourism industry and wish for the fair to inspire more collaborations, innovations, and adventures, aiming for a positive impact on the lives of Filipinos,” Gabato said. (Photos: MBCNewman)