COTABATO CITY — The Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT-BARMM) officially launched the business-to-business phase of the 18th Regional Travel Fair on Aug.14, Friday, at the Alnor Hotel and Convention Center, bringing together nationwide tour operators and regional industry stakeholders for strategic trade networking.
Spearheaded by the MTIT Bureau of Tourism in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board, the weeklong event highlights the ministry’s ongoing drive to elevate regional destinations, empower local micro, small, and medium enterprises, and boost sustainable economic growth.
The morning kickoff ceremony unfolded as a vibrant celebration of the region’s cultural heritage and local treasures, setting a triumphant tone for the ministry’s commercial trade engagements. Leading the MTIT delegation were MTIT Minister Farserina A. Mohammad and MTIT Bureau of Tourism Director Marites K. Maguindra.
In a welcome message delivered to delegates, BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua emphasized the transformative impact of the ministry’s hosting of the national fair.
“Making history as BARMM hosts the 18th Regional Tourism Fair, opening doors for many Bangsamoro,” Macacua said. “For many years, the story of BARMM was often associated with conflict. Today, we write another chapter in history, one that highlights our breathtaking landscapes and a resilient people who, despite difficult chapters, never stopped believing in peace and a better tomorrow. Tourism is never just about places; it is always about the people.”
Macacua encouraged attendees to champion the region’s tourism narrative. “May this Regional Tourism Fair allow all Filipino and international visitors to discover our region like never before. We hope that what you discover here inspires you to share our story, tell them about our rich culture, tell them about our history, and tell them about the beauty of BARMM,” he added.
Following presentations highlighting Basilan, Lanao del Sur, and Cotabato City, MTIT officials facilitated intensive business meetings to solidify trade partnerships, build tour packages, and broaden market reach for local tourism enterprises. (𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙪 𝘼𝙝𝙢𝙖𝙙 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙛 𝙏𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙤/𝙈𝙏𝙄𝙏 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙨 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣)
