Biggest Philippine International Trade Event for 2019

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, which is the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), is aiming to boost tourism in the country. To achieve this, it will host the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) and the MICE Buyers Invitational (MICECONnect) from October 20 to 27. These events are designed to promote the Philippines as a premier tourist destination for both leisure travel and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibits/Events).

Phitex

Now in its 18th year, PHITEX is recognized as the largest travel trade event in the country, featuring nearly 200 sellers and 200 buyers. The main highlight of the event is a one-and-a-half-day business-to-business (B2B) session that facilitates discussions between foreign buyers and local sellers. This session aims to promote tourism-related conversations among participants and create new business opportunities.

Participants also attended the PHITEX educational seminar, where industry leaders discussed new trends in tourism marketing and strategies for both mature and emerging markets. The discussions were centered around the theme “Philippine Tourism: Trailblazing Responsible Travel and Inclusive Growth.”

Insights were shared by Thomas Graham, Co-Founder of Make A Difference (MAD) Travel; Carlos Mori Rodriguez, Chief Innovation Officer of EON The Stakeholder Relations Group; and Nelly Nuezca Dillera, CESO III, Deputy Executive Director of the Philippine Trade Training Center – Global MSME Academy. They concluded the seminar on how the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is developing capabilities for halal development and certification.

PHITEX is an annual event designed to support stakeholders in the travel trade industry. Rather than operating as individual sellers, we provide a platform for them to connect with hundreds of buyers from around the world in one venue, saving them valuable time and money.

The event also ensures that buyers are well-informed and prepared by offering a comprehensive overview of various destinations and packages that they can sell to consumers, whether as individual tours or bundled options.

Marie Venus Tan

COO, TPB

MICECONnect 2019

MICECONnect 2019 aims to promote the Philippine MICE industry by gathering suppliers to showcase the country as a premier destination for international events and conferences.

Happening alongside PHITEX, MICECONnect 2019 continues a two-year program designed as a comprehensive educational seminar for local MICE stakeholders. The aim is to help them learn about new and effective global trends, approaches, and methods. This year’s focus is on creating business networking opportunities to further develop the country’s MICE industry.

MICECONnect 2019 will also feature B2B sessions for both Philippine and international MICE buyers, as well as inspections of hotels and MICE venues. Additionally, delegates attending MICECONnect will have the opportunity to participate in post-event tours, showcasing some of the country’s premier MICE destinations, including Iloilo City, Bacolod, Davao, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, Tagaytay, Manila, and Batangas.

Both PHITEX and MICECONnect 2019 play a crucial role in enabling the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) to support and raise awareness of sustainable community-based tourism. In addition to showcasing the Philippines’ unique offerings, TPB is dedicated to protecting natural resources and ensuring that tourism benefits both directly and indirectly impacted communities. This commitment aligns with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing TPB’s dedication to sustainable tourism and its contribution to the Department of Tourism’s objectives.

To know more about PHITEX and MICECONnect 2019, visit the following websites: