Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) is the biggest travel, tourism and trade show in the country. It is spearheaded by Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the biggest association of tour operators and agencies that promote exclusively domestic and inbound tourism. Through the years, the PTM has carved a niche in the international market as a prime venue for foreign buyers as a must-see, must-be event held in collaboration with the Department of Tourism.

The highlight of the event is the Grand Vacation Sale ng Bayan, where exhibitors and participants will offer attractive discounts and special offers to consumers during the 3-day event. Reservations for travel and tour, hotel, transport (sea and air) can be purchased at lower rates and should be availed of or completed on or before November 15, 2009.

Eco-tourism is one of the main pillars of this year’s efforts of showcasing beyond the usual in Philippine tourism and encouraging consumers to experience the Philippines in unusual ways. For this year, we have proposed to partner with ABS CBN Foundation for their Kapit Bisig sa Ilog Pasig project in launching another new innovation in Philippine tourism –thru the Pasig river travel cruise. The intent is to promote the Pasig river cruise as a tourism vehicle that ends in Escolta tying it in with a walking tour of Binondo, cuisines galore from street foods to fine dining and tiangge shopping are what we can input into the program.

With “Beyond the Usual…” as conference/exhibition theme, the main highlights of the 20th PTM will include beyond the usual regional culinary fares, beyond the usual exciting destinations, beyond the usual travel and tour experiences, and beyond the usual events and festivities that are the hallmarks of our unique Philippine culture.

Source: Philippine Travel News

I’m so glad this is not happening in September, since I’m so broke right now (and will be in the next two months). Hopefully, by September, I’d have recovered from debt and will attack go crazy with the great travel deals to be had.

Anyway, since my brain refuses to churn something coherent, instead of writing two different posts about this year’s Travel Mart, I am just going to refer you to the post I made for the Manila Metroblog.

If you have the time this weekend, I suggest you check out the Travel Mart, specially if you’re planning on going on a trip before the year ends. Some packages and discounts are only offered during the Travel Mart.

Oh, and it was Air Philippines who was offering the Php18++ fares. I can’t recall seeing a Cebu Pacific exhibit, but Dyan tells me they’re offering Piso fares once again. Crafty, eh?

I know most of you have already gotten your paycheck, and if you’re like me, half of it is already gone XD Better save up the remaining half, because from what I read, there’s going to be plenty of crazy discounts and bargains:

So what does a Juan dela Cruz can expect?

Airfares for as low as PHP18.00++, very cheap hotel accommodations in top Philippine resorts like Boracay, Laoag, Subic, Palawan, Cebu and a whole lot more! It’s actually their goal to let each and every Filipino get the chance to have a vacation that is not heavy on the pocket.
So mark your calendar. It’s September 7-9, 2007 at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

Source: Byahilo.com

I was at Megamall the other day and I saw the posters announcing the event. I was (and still is) a bit skeptical at the Php18++ airfares. Who’s selling tickets that low?! I will definitely be there first thing Friday morning!