36th Philippine Travel Mart Highlights Local Tourism, Offers Travelers Up to 60% in Savings

Lucky Alabado

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Pasay City, Philippines – The Philippine Travel Operators Association (PHILTOA) has officially launched the 36th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM), the country’s largest and longest-running travel trade exhibition, during its 4th General Membership Meeting held last August 20, 2025 at Sheraton Hotel, Pasay City.

Happening this September 5 to 7, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, the Philippine Travel Mart promises a grand showcase of the best that the Philippines has to offer, from breathtaking destinations to unique cultural experiences. Visitors can look forward to exclusive deals of up to 60% off on tour packages, accommodations, and travel activities—making it one of the most anticipated travel events of the year for both industry stakeholders and the traveling public.

The launch was graced by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who reaffirmed the Department of Tourism’s commitment to strengthening the industry through strategic reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and closer partnerships with the private sector. She noted the government’s ongoing work to improve the country’s airports, the forthcoming visa-free entry privilege for Indian nationals, and the introduction of a digital nomad visa aimed at attracting long-staying remote workers. She also announced the VAT Refund Scheme—hoping it will be ready for launch by the end of 2025 or early 2026, further boosting the Philippines’ competitiveness as a travel destination. The continued development of the Travel PH app likewise reflects the DOT’s push toward digitalization and traveler accessibility.

In her message, Secretary Frasco underscored the value of collaboration: “Tourism is not just leisure, tourism is nation building,” she said, emphasizing that the Department cannot achieve its goals alone and draws strength from travel partners such as PHILTOA and its members who keep Philippine tourism vibrant through their hard work and dedication.

For PHILTOA, this year’s Travel Mart is not only about discounts but also about its enduring role in promoting domestic tourism. PHILTOA President Arjun Shroff explained that for more than three decades, PTM has served as a vital platform to highlight destinations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, while making travel more accessible and affordable for Filipinos. “For 36 years, the Philippine Travel Mart has been more than a travel fair—it has been a celebration of the beauty and diversity of our islands. This year, we are proud to once again open the doors for Filipinos to rediscover their own country, with travel deals of up to 60% off making adventures more accessible than ever. PTM is not only about promoting destinations, but also about supporting communities, sustaining livelihoods, and strengthening our shared identity as a nation of travelers,” Shroff said.

The 36th Philippine Travel Mart is made possible with the support of major partners EastWest Bank, Philippine Airlines, and GCash, who share PHILTOA’s vision of strengthening local travel and empowering Filipino travelers.