The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines generated PHP176.8 million in sales leads and facilitated 2,120 business-to-business (B2B) appointments during the 17th Regional Travel Fair (RTF), held from May 15 to 17, 2026, at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center in Baguio City.

The three-day event recorded a 41.9% increase in both sales leads and B2B appointments compared to the previous Regional Travel Fair in 2025, highlighting the growing importance of the platform in strengthening domestic tourism and industry partnerships across the country.

Carrying the theme “Find Yourself in the Cordilleras,” this year’s RTF celebrated the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and immersive travel experiences of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), featuring destinations from Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and the cities of Tabuk and Baguio.

“The Regional Travel Fair is a platform that allows destinations, communities, and tourism stakeholders to engage in ways that are both efficient and purposeful, strengthening Philippine tourism at the regional level,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “Through the RTF, TPB remains committed to advancing domestic travel, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities that help local destinations thrive.”

Strong Industry Participation

The 17th RTF brought together 77 sellers and exhibitors alongside 54 buyers, creating valuable opportunities for both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) engagement.

B2B sessions held on May 15 served as a venue for accommodation providers, tour operators, destination management companies, and other tourism stakeholders to explore new partnerships and business opportunities.

The Department of Tourism–Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) highlighted the region’s unique tourism offerings during the opening ceremony, emphasizing experiences shaped by its diverse geography, indigenous traditions, and cultural heritage.

Networking opportunities continued during the welcome dinner at Baguio Country Club, where tourism stakeholders, buyers, sellers, and media representatives gathered to strengthen industry relationships beyond formal business meetings.

The event also received strong support from local government and tourism leaders, including Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who delivered the welcome remarks during the dinner program, and Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, who spoke during the B2C opening ceremony.

DOT-CAR Regional Director Jovita Ganongan, Baguio Tourism Council Chairperson Gladys Vergara, and Creative Baguio City Council Co-Chairperson Marie Venus Tan were likewise present throughout the event.

Bringing Travel Closer to Consumers

On May 16 and 17, the Regional Travel Fair opened its doors to consumers, offering local residents access to exclusive domestic travel deals, discounted tour packages, and special promotions from participating exhibitors.

Visitors enjoyed interactive activities such as travel bingo games, craft demonstrations, and exhibits featuring some of Baguio’s best local products, creating a more engaging and immersive travel fair experience.

Participating exhibitors showcased a wide range of tourism products and experiences from different regions across the Philippines, including heritage destinations, nature-based attractions, creative tourism offerings, and sustainable accommodations.

The diversity of products presented at the fair encouraged greater interest in domestic travel while opening new opportunities for Cordilleran travelers to explore destinations beyond their region.

BARMM to Host the Next Regional Travel Fair

The 17th Regional Travel Fair concluded with a turnover ceremony on May 17, officially passing hosting responsibilities to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The upcoming edition is expected to highlight BARMM’s vibrant Moro culture, rich history, and unique tourism experiences when it hosts the 18th Regional Travel Fair from August 16 to 18 in Cotabato City.

The 17th RTF was organized by the Tourism Promotions Board and the Department of Tourism in partnership with the City Government of Baguio, DOT-CAR, the Baguio Tourism Council, and Philippine Airlines.