This post was originally published on this site
Out of Town Blog
36th Philippine Travel Mart 2025: Boosting NextGen Tourism
The 36th Philippine Travel Mart 2025 will take place from September 5-7 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila. It centers on “Boosting NextGen Tourism” through themes like sustainability, innovation, wellness, and inclusivity. Organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association, this event is the country’s longest-standing travel trade exhibition.
Travelers, tourism professionals, and adventure-seekers can anticipate exclusive travel deals, emerging destinations, and activities that showcase the future of tourism. The event’s theme emphasizes a commitment to enhancing tourism and increasing accessibility for all, making it a key gathering for those interested in the industry’s future developments.
Event Dates and Location
The 36th Philippine Travel Mart takes place from September 5 to 7, 2025. The event is held at the SMX Convention Center in Manila, a modern venue known for hosting large expos and conventions.
The SMX Convention Center offers updated facilities, accessibility, and a central location within Metro Manila. Attendees can enjoy nearby hotels, attractions, and transportation choices. These features allow the event to accommodate a large number of exhibitors and guests while making it easy for attendees to participate.
Limited booth slots are available, and early reservations are encouraged for interested exhibitors.
Historical Background
The Philippine Travel Mart, often called PTM, is the longest-running travel trade exhibition in the country. Organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), it has been held every year for over three decades.
Since its founding, PTM has built a dependable reputation for linking travel operators, suppliers, and consumers. Its objectives focus on promoting Philippine destinations, strengthening local tourism partnerships, and helping businesses offer competitive travel packages.
Over time, the event’s continued success has made it a major date in the tourism industry calendar. The PTM has inspired many similar expos across the country but remains a standout event as highlighted by the Tourism Promotions Board.
Growth from Previous Years
The Philippine Travel Mart has seen steady growth in size, number of exhibitors, and diversity of visitors each year. The event in recent years has expanded its reach to include more regional tourism offices, international participants, and new segments such as ecotourism and digital travel services.
Exhibitor numbers have increased, and there are more booth spaces available than ever, though demand remains high. Special offers and exclusive travel packages draw both consumers and business buyers.
The 2025 event is expected to feature the most extensive lineup to date, making it the biggest PTM so far. New rules for booth sharing and co-exhibitors help ensure fair participation, as explained in the official exhibitor’s manual.
Theme and Goals of Boosting NextGen Tourism
The 36th Philippine Travel Mart 2025 focuses on powering up tourism with fresh energy and new ideas. The event targets the needs of modern travelers by promoting sustainability, digital tools, wellness, and inclusivity.
Definition of NextGen Tourism
NextGen Tourism is defined by its forward-thinking approach to travel and hospitality. It combines eco-friendly practices, technology integration, and a genuine concern for local communities. This model encourages both businesses and tourists to make travel choices that protect the environment and foster economic opportunity.
Key features include:
- Sustainability: Using green resources, supporting conservation, and cutting down waste.
- Digitization: Utilizing apps, online booking, and digital guides for smoother travel.
- Inclusivity: Making tourism welcoming for people of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities.
- Wellness: Focusing on health and balanced lifestyles for both tourists and local residents.
The idea is to shape travel so it benefits both visitors and locals for many years to come.
Vision and Mission for 2025
The vision for 2025 is to build a tourism industry that lasts and adapts to changing needs. The aim is to build a market where responsible and smart travel is the norm.
Mission statement:
- Empower tourism players with knowledge about sustainability and modernization.
- Encourage tourism businesses and travelers to use tools and ideas that help reach wellness, inclusivity, and environmental goals.
Their roadmap includes strengthening local tourism economies, promoting domestic and international destinations, and creating travel experiences that highlight Filipino culture and nature. The event works to ensure everyone, no matter their background, finds value in the tourism sector.
Strategic Objectives
The 36th Philippine Travel Mart will use several strategies to meet its mission:
- Education: Workshops and talks on new tourism trends and technologies.
- Partnerships: Working with travel agencies, local governments, hotels, and airlines.
- Promotion: Special deals and campaigns to promote fresh destinations and experiences.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Programs to reduce waste and carbon footprints at both the event and in the wider industry.
A major goal is to create new business ties, encourage innovation, and help the Philippine tourism industry grow in a smart, steady way.
Exhibitor Highlights
Leading travel agencies, hotels, resorts, and airlines gather at this expo to offer special discounts and packages. The Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) has organized spaces to help visitors compare deals on flights, accommodations, and local tours.
Many companies present exclusive “Travel Mart Only” offers. These can include bundled island-hopping tours, family holiday packages, and limited-time room rates.
Attendees can interact directly with representatives to get detailed information or customize their bookings. The event also welcomes international exhibitors eager to showcase global destinations to Filipino travelers. For businesses, this is an opportunity to expand their network and build new partnerships.
Product Showcases
Travel products such as eco-friendly essentials, travel gadgets, and local crafts are available for purchase and demonstration. Dedicated areas highlight new technology in travel, featuring tools for trip planning and navigation.
Visitors can attend brief demos on smart luggage, portable gear, and other innovative travel items. Tables provide hands-on experiences with these products, letting guests test quality and features before buying.
Spotlights on Philippine-made products encourage support of local artisans. These include handcrafted bags, textiles, and souvenir items that make unique gifts or memorable keepsakes.
Cultural Presentations
Traditional dances, music performances, and costume showcases take place on stage throughout the event. These live shows allow attendees to experience the diversity and richness of Filipino culture up close.
Regional groups represent their provinces with colorful attire and performances. Expect to see folk dances, indigenous musical instruments, and cultural storytelling sessions.
Short workshops are sometimes available where visitors can learn simple dance steps or join in group music-making. These engaging activities give a deeper understanding of different communities across the Philippines.
Regional Travel Zones
The venue is divided into themed zones representing Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and international destinations. Each area is designed to reflect the character of its region, often featuring replica landmarks or local art.
At each zone, local government units and tourism boards share the best destinations, festivals, and food. Travel guides, maps, and brochures are easy to find.
Visitors can take part in games or quizzes for a chance to win travel vouchers or merchandise. These zones make it simple to discover new spots and plan multi-destination trips in the Philippines and abroad.
Next-Generation Tourism Technologies
The travel industry continues to grow with new digital tools changing how travelers plan and enjoy their trips. Tour operators and event organizers use these technologies to help guests have more convenient, efficient, and personalized experiences.
Digital Innovations in Travel
Digital advances are shaping every step of the travel journey. Online booking systems let travelers compare prices, book flights, and select hotels in minutes. User-friendly mobile apps deliver real-time updates for schedules, weather, and local attractions.
E-payments offer secure and faster transactions, making it easier for visitors to manage their expenses. Many travel agencies now use virtual tours and interactive maps so guests can explore destinations before they go. Social media platforms help businesses share information, engage with customers, and respond to feedback quickly.
Booking sites and apps gather user data to recommend packages based on personal interests and previous travel history. With these tools, travelers can discover more customized options and make better choices for their trips.
Smart Tourism Solutions
Smart tourism means using technology and data to improve the travel experience. At major events like the Philippine Travel Mart, RFID passes and QR codes help speed up entrance and provide easier access to booths and activities.
Locations equipped with free Wi-Fi, digital signages, and interactive kiosks help visitors navigate venues, locate key spots, and get instant help. Some cities use smart sensors to track crowd movement and improve safety and comfort for tourists.
Artificial intelligence (AI) assists organizers by automating ticketing, survey, and translation services. Chatbots answer frequent questions, while data analytics help predict which services and tours are most popular. These digital tools make large expos and tourism fairs more organized and guest-friendly, creating a seamless event for both exhibitors and travelers.
Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Initiatives
Tourism in the Philippines is becoming more sustainable by focusing on green technology, supporting local communities, and encouraging travelers to act responsibly. Projects and campaigns aim to protect the environment, include local people, and create lasting benefits.
Eco-Friendly Practices
The Philippine tourism sector uses eco-friendly practices like promoting green hotels, reducing single-use plastics, and supporting nature conservation. Many tourism businesses have switched to using solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and water-saving systems. This helps lower their carbon footprint and saves resources.
Eco-lodges offer waste segregation, composting, and use of biodegradable materials. Many resorts invest in rainwater harvesting and solar energy. Tour operators work to minimize the environmental impact of tours, ensuring visitors follow rules in protected areas and engage in activities with low ecological impact.
Some travel fairs, including the Philippine Travel Mart, promote products and services that support eco-friendly tourism goals. The Department of Tourism also funds projects that focus on protecting wildlife and natural resources, and encourages operators and guests to follow sustainable tourism guidelines.
Community Empowerment Programs
Philippine tourism emphasizes community participation and fair benefits for local people. Training programs help residents become tour guides, homestay hosts, or craft producers, so they can earn from tourism without leaving their communities. These programs teach skills in management, customer service, and sustainable practices.
Many destinations hire locals as guides or workers, ensuring income stays in the area. Partnerships connect small businesses with larger organizations to help them grow. Local cooperatives allow artisans and farmers to sell goods directly to tourists, ensuring fair prices and preserving culture.
Community members also join in planning, monitoring, and decision-making for tourism projects. This ensures their needs and ideas shape how tourism grows. PHILTOA and other groups help run programs that promote inclusive and resilient tourism in the Philippines.
Responsible Travel Campaigns
Ongoing campaigns educate travelers on smart, respectful, and safe travel. These efforts share tips on reducing waste, supporting local businesses, and respecting local customs and wildlife. Posters, videos, online content, and talks are used to reach both local and foreign tourists.
The Department of Tourism works with hotels, tour operators, and schools to encourage eco-friendly habits. Campaigns highlight easy actions, like using reusable bags and bottles, following rules in parks, and shopping at local markets. Outreach materials often use simple language and images.
Support for responsible travel has grown through high-visibility events such as the Philippine Sustainability Now Forum 2025. These campaigns aim to make responsible travel a normal and expected part of every visitor’s journey.
How to Participate in the Philippine Travel Mart 2025
Entrance Fees
Visitors can secure tickets online for convenience. Early bird tickets are available for as low as P100 and the registration process requires basic information such as name, contact details, and payment method. After July 31, 2025, prices will increase to P120 per person.
Ticket registration is found on the official Philippine Travel Mart website. Special promos may be available, including free tickets for select credit cardholders. Visitors must present their e-tickets or printed tickets at the event entrance.
On-site registration is allowed but online registration is recommended to avoid long queues. Attendees should bring a valid ID and are encouraged to check their email for confirmation and event updates.
Exhibitor Application Guidelines
Businesses and organizations interested in joining as exhibitors must reserve a booth through the PHILTOA expo site. Booth slots are limited, so early reservation is important.
Exhibitors should review the detailed manual on booth sharing and brand visibility to comply with event rules. Requirements include submitting company details, choosing preferred booth types, and agreeing to regulations outlined in the Exhibitors Manual.
Payment details, booth inclusions, and setup guidelines are clearly described in the manual. Organizers prioritize fair allocation and encourage prompt communication for any special setup needs. Each exhibitor is responsible for their booth design and staff passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates and location for the 36th Philippine Travel Mart 2025?
The event will be held from September 5 to September 7, 2025. It will take place at the SMX Convention Center in Manila.
Which exhibitors will be present at the 36th Philippine Travel Mart?
More than 5,000 products and services will be showcased by different exhibitors. These include hotels, resorts, airlines, tour operators, and destination marketing groups. This trade fair connects tourism suppliers with travel buyers and is organized by PHILTOA, a notable tour operators’ association.
What are the main events and activities scheduled for the 36th Philippine Travel Mart?
The expo highlights destination exhibits, interactive booths, and special programs focusing on sustainability and innovation in tourism. Attendees can take part in themed presentations and explore new travel experiences designed to fit a variety of interests.
Are there any travel discounts or special deals exclusive to the 36th Philippine Travel Mart?
Visitors will be able to access exclusive travel deals and packages during the event. Many offers are only available to event-goers and include discounts on hotels, flights, and tours from participating exhibitors.
Manila Travel Tour Packages You Should Try
(function (d, sc, u) {
var s = d.createElement(sc),
p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0];
s.type = “text/javascript”;
s.async = true;
s.src = u;
p.parentNode.insertBefore(s, p);
})(
document,
“script”,
“https://affiliate.klook.com/widget/fetch-iframe-init.js”
);
Follow and Subscribe to OutofTownBlog.com on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for more Travel related updates.
36th Philippine Travel Mart 2025: Boosting NextGen Tourism
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog
