Regional travel fair opens doors for Cordillera businesses

BAGUIO CITY — For many Cordillera entrepreneurs, artisans, and tourism workers, the 17th Regional Travel Fair served as more than just a tourism showcase. It was an opportunity to bring local products, indigenous craftsmanship, and community-based enterprises to wider national markets.

The three-day event at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center gathered buyers, exhibitors, tourism stakeholders, and government agencies from across the Philippines. Organizers positioned the fair as a platform for regional partnerships, domestic travel, and local economic growth.

Organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the fair brought together 77 sellers, 56 buyers, tourism enterprises, local government units, and regional tourism officials nationwide.

The event opened on Friday, May 15, with a Business-to-Business (B2B) session aimed at connecting tourism stakeholders and expanding market opportunities through networking and business matching.

During Thursday’s B2B orientation, TPB Domestic Promotions Department Acting Head Arnold T. Gonzales presented the agency’s “Empowering Industries Through Strategic B2B Linkage” framework, emphasizing how partnerships between businesses, government agencies, and communities can expand market access, improve competitiveness, and create sustainable economic opportunities.

Gonzales said tourism fairs and trade expos help regional enterprises connect with national and international buyers, while encouraging investment outside Metro Manila and creating livelihood opportunities in local communities.

He also highlighted the growing role of digital platforms, online marketplaces, and hybrid trade events in expanding opportunities for MSMEs and tourism stakeholders.

Cordillera exhibitors said the fair gave them an opportunity not only to market their products and services but also to preserve local culture, expand partnerships, and reach wider audiences beyond the region.

Among the participants were weaving enterprises such as Narda’s Handwoven Arts & Crafts, Dinekkan Handcrafts, Mayat-an Handcrafts, and Inabel ni Ina, alongside local brands including Lather & Lore, Yuman Ka-ili Accessories, The Cordilleran Daughter coffee beans, and Amparo’s Apothecary, as well as the Mandëko Kito organization.

Lucia Catanes of Narda’s Handwoven Arts & Crafts said participating in the fair would help introduce Cordillera weaving traditions and handmade products to younger generations and wider markets.

“Joining the Travel Fair will greatly help Narda’s promote our creations and what we do, especially to the next generation,” Catanes said.

For hospitality stakeholders, the event opened opportunities for new tourism partnerships and destination branding rooted in Cordillera identity.

Ompong Palma, general manager of Wright Park Hotel in Baguio, said the fair allowed the newly opened luxury heritage property to showcase not only its accommodations but also its advocacy for local arts, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.

“With various stakeholders of tourism at the fair, we get to introduce our brand of luxury and introduce our signature offerings and cultural programs such as our support for the local arts, the environment, and the community,” Palma said.

He added that the hotel hopes to establish partnerships with travel agencies, tour operators, and consumers while promoting a tourism experience grounded in Cordilleran heritage.

“We are hoping to establish partnerships with various travel agencies, tour operators and consumers to excite them that there is a new hotel in town, one that is not only providing luxury accommodation but very much in touch with the Cordilleran heritage,” Palma said.

On Saturday, May 16, the fair officially opened to the public, with DOT Undersecretary Shalimar Hofer Tamano delivering the keynote message on behalf of Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay.

“At a time when many Filipinos are becoming more mindful of travel costs, initiatives like the Regional Travel Fair become even more valuable,” Tamano said.

“By offering accessible and affordable travel opportunities, this event helps sustain tourism enterprises, generate jobs, and encourage Filipinos to rediscover the beauty of our own destinations,” he added.

Among those present during the opening ceremony were Baguio City Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, Atty. Jado Rafael Bognedon representing Congressman Mauricio Domogan, Gonzales, DOT-CAR Regional Director Jovita Ganongan, DOT-SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Director Nelia Arina, Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism-BARMM Director Marites Maguindra, Creative Baguio City Council Co-Chairperson Marie Venus Tan, Baguio City Tourism Officer Aloysius Mapalo, and Baguio Tourism Council Chairperson Gladys Vergara. – Rappler.com