The regional travel fair opened by the Bangsamoro government harped its long stride from the image of conflict to being the host of corporate agricultural and business expansion and successes in anticorruption in its early period of self-rule.
The 18th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) held on August 14-16 in Cotabato City brought together 42 buyers and 89 sellers for business-to-business (B2B) sessions and tourism stakeholders from 12 regions.
The three-day event at the Alnor Hotel and Convention Center here was organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines with the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) and the Department of Tourism (DOT). In his welcome message, Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said it provided an opportunity to present a different story of the Bangsamoro.
‘For many years, the story of BARMM was often associated with conflict. Today, we write another chapter in history, one that highlights our breathtaking landscapes and a resilient people who, despite difficult chapters, never stopped believing in peace and a better tomorrow,’ Macacua said.
Macacua also emphasized that tourism is not only about destinations but also about the people and communities behind them, as the region showcased its destinations, cultural heritage, local products and travel experiences.
The fair also held the business-to-consumer (B2C) activity that allowed the public to access discounted domestic travel deals, accommodation packages and airline tickets.
Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles said the regional trade fair was designed to generate opportunities beyond conventional business matchmaking.
‘Beyond traditional business matchmaking, the fair serves as a platform for buyers, sellers, and travelers to discover more reasons to love the Philippines while opening opportunities for long-term partnerships,’ Nograles said.
BARMM tourism officials said the fair provided an opportunity to encourage more travelers to discover the region’s destinations and tourism offerings and MTIT Minister Farserina Mohammad urged travelers to explore the Bangsamoro and experience its diverse destinations and culture.
‘To today’s travelers, don’t hesitate to discover Bangsamoro. You will be warmly welcomed, not only as a visitor, but as part of our story,’ Mohammad said, mostly in Filipino.