DOT-7: Cebu’s tourism sector continues to grow, rather than a restart

CEBU CITY—The Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region VII bared that Cebu’s tourism sector is thriving, with significant passenger numbers and new international routes, indicating continuous growth rather than a restart, emphasizing the industry’s
resilience.

“I commend the Cebu Travel Catalogue International, the reunion aspect of the event and the collective experience and contributions of the industry professionals present with their resilience through various seasons and disruptions.  The event is a space where Cebu's strengths in connections, creativity, and confidence are showcased,” said DOT-7 regional director, Gelena Asis-Dimpas, in her message at the opening of the Cebu Travel Catalogue International (CTCI) 2026, February 13 at the Ayala Center Mall Cebu.

More than 80 exhibitors composed of travel agencies, airline companies, hotels and resorts, travel and tour operators and banks gathered at the Center Stage of Ayala Mall Cebu for the 3-day, February 13-15 Cebu Travel Catalogue International (CTCI) 2026, celebrating 10 years of endless journeys under the theme, “Wander Beyond Borders.”

CTCI 2026 chair and Cebu Travel & Tours Association (CTTA) Vice-president, Angelita Dy shared that over the past decade, CTCI has evolved from a regional travel showcase into a trusted industry platform. It continues to connect businesses and travelers to their dream destinations, while strengthening Cebu’s presence in both local and international tourism networks.

“Now that we have reached ten years of Endless Journeys, we reaffirm our commitment to building global connections. We believe travel experiences should go beyond borders.  CTCI 2026 is open to the public at Ayala Center Cebu while industry stakeholders and travelers continue shaping the future of travel. As the world comes closer, the journey continues,” Dy said.

Dimpas on the other hand, went on to emphasize the importance of valuing both outbound and inbound travel movements, highlighting the role of travel agencies in navigating shifting preferences and new destinations.  Outbound travels keep Cebuanos present and expose travelers to new cultures and inspirations.

She highlighted the role of travel agencies and tour operators in guiding families, first-timers, returning OFWs, and young people choosing tourism as a field of study, Dimpas mentioned the increasing number of students enrolling in tourism courses, indicating a positive outlook for the future of the industry.

“Inbound travel uplifts communities, sustain jobs, support local businesses, and diversify the tourism portfolio.  The full support of the province and local government units, including the mayor, in hosting the ASEAN tourism forum and the Philippine tourism travel expo, reflects on the positive momentum and strong confidence seen in the 1.3 million passengers MCIA handled in January 2026, a significant increase from previous years,” Dimpas noted.

The launch of the Cebu MICE manual and the Philippine MICE manual at various events is a sign of growth and expansion and encourages travel agencies to strengthen ties with partners abroad to ensure Cebu remains competitive and visible in the global tourism landscape, Dimpas added.

The challenges and opportunities in tourism depend on how to navigate shifts and weather changes but the sector is still optimistic about the positive figures and expanding routes, the importance of travel agencies in maintaining connections and ensuring Cebu's presence in global conversations, Dimpas reiterated the role of travel agencies in partnering with agents abroad and keeping the region competitive and compelling.

“Book your flight now and be ambassadors of Cebu and the many reasons why visitors should come to the islands of Cebu, Bohol and the many islands in the Philippines,” Dimpas concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

Cebu’s travel/tours industry to mount a travel catalog int’l expo on Feb 13-15

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Travel and Tours Association (CTTA) is set to mount its 10^th Cebu Travel Catalog International (CTCI) on February 13-15, 2026 at Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu City with the theme, “Wander Beyond Borders” to celebrate 10 years of endless journey and recognized as Cebu’s premier travel and tourism exhibition that continues to serve as a growing platform for collaboration and global engagement within the industry.

“CTCI has grown because of ten years of shared journeys, strong partnerships, and a collective passion for travel. Our milestone reminds us of how far we have come together.  This year’s 3-day event gathers over 73 exhibitors of local and international tourism stakeholders, travel brands, destination partners, and travel enthusiasts in a dynamic showcase of experiences and opportunities shaping today’s travel landscape,” CTTA President, Alan Carvajal said in his opening message.

Carvajal shared that over the past decade, CTCI has evolved from a regional travel showcase into a trusted industry platform that connects destinations, businesses, and travelers. It has played a key role in promoting Cebu as a gateway to the Philippines while strengthening international tourism linkages.

Carvajal highlights the success of CCTI in strengthening domestic tourism, particularly in Cebu. The expo has become a significant event for top-notch resorts and hotels to offer their best packages and room rates.  He estimates foot traffic at the exhibition area of more than 5,000 to 15,000 for the 3-day event.

CTTA Vice-President and CTCI 2026 Chair, Angelita Dy described how the expo attracts families and promotes travel, even if they don't have initial plans adding that airlines offer very low airfares, which are shared with travel agents.  More than 30 hotels and resorts to showcase vouchers for hotels stay, day breakfast meals, and other promos.  Travel insurance companies also offer low rates on travel insurances, and banks provide credit card offers and other financial services.

“As we celebrate ten years of Endless Journeys, CTCI 2026 reaffirms its commitment to building global connections and inspiring travel experiences that go beyond borders.  This year’s theme, “Wander Beyond Borders,” reflects the evolution of both travel and CTCI itself, encouraging exploration beyond familiar routes and traditional perspectives,” Dy said.

Tourism boards such as the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Korea Tourism Organization are showcasing destinations and travel programs while leading hotels and leisure destinations are also featured such as NUSTAR Resort Cebu, Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark Mactan, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, Radisson Red Cebu, Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu, and Cebu Safari and Adventure Park, among others.

Travel agencies, banks, insurance providers, and tourism service companies further reinforce the breadth and scale of the exhibition.  Japan and Korea as top destinations from the previous year, with Vietnam are expected to join this year.  Taiwan reports Filipino tourists as the number one arrival for the year in their country.

Cebu Alliance of Tour Operations Specialists (CATOS) president, Alice Queblatin acknowledged the support from the various tourism industry stakeholders and partners contribute to strengthening tourism collaboration across borders.

Queblatin shared that the rise of Bohol, Palawan and Siargao as popular destinations are due to the direct flights to these places, contributing to their growths.  She also mentioned expo’s role in promoting adventure tourism and the last frontier in the Philippines.

Queblatin added that India is a major market for outbound travelers, highlighting its large volume of travelers connected to the Philippines, there is a direct connection between India and the Philippines through various airlines. 

She also mentioned the development of a new market, Australia, with direct inbound flights into Cebu, indicating a growing market. “There is growing Muslim tourists in the region hence, the need for Muslim-friendly restaurants to accommodate the increasing number of Muslim travelers,” Queblatin noted. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

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)