22nd Philippine Travel Mart Offers Hotel, Airfare Deals

Travel junkies are in for a treat at the awaited 22nd Philippine Travel Mart (PTM), the premiere and biggest travel and tourism trade show in the country, which opens this September.

(Image taken from Philtoa.org)

Organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the travel fair opens on September 2 to 4, 2011 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia. This 3-day weekend extravaganza aims to promote and sell inbound and domestic tour packages and carriers to both local and foreign block buyers, as well as individual travelers.

According to the PHILTOA website, the first part of PTM's opening day - that is 10AM to 12NN - will be exclusive for corporate guests. By lunch time, the general public is welcome to barge in to be able to find good deals.

Due to the successful "Biyahe Sale ng Bayan" last year, PTA is once again doing a once-in-a-year offer on trips and tours, hotel accommodations, airfares, seafares, adventure tours and packages, health and wellness packages, travel packages to any destination in the Philippines.

The PTA will also stage the traditional "Bituin ng Kasuotang Filipino" a competition of indigenous fabrics crafted into the most beautiful gowns by local designers. 

In summary, here are the things you should expect:

• Thousands of people, as last year's PTA recorded more than 140,000 attendees.
• Minimal entrance fee (last year's was Php50.00)
• Lots of booths, exhibits on great hotels, airfare, seafare deals, highly focusing on the beauty of the Philippine islands and destinations
• Several freebies, brochures, and fliers

While it's still a little less than a month to go, I'd suggest you start looking up Philippine destinations already and start planning your draft travel route, so you'd be ready by the time the PTA opens.

Again, don't forget to support DOT and catch the 22nd Philippine Travel Mart on September 2 to 4, 2011 (Friday to Sunday) from 10AM to 9PM at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. Cash and credit card are accepted.