18th Regional Travel Fair Highlights BARMM Tourism Opportunities

COTABATO CITY — The 18th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) brought together tourism industry players, buyers, sellers, and government stakeholders for a business-to-business (B2B) session aimed at promoting the region as an emerging tourism destination.
Held at the Alnor Hotel and Convention Center in Cotabato City, the B2B session gathered 42 buyers and 89 sellers, creating opportunities for tourism enterprises to establish business connections, showcase products, and explore potential partnerships.
Representatives from Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Tawi-Tawi, and Cotabato City presented their tourism products and services through business meetings and product presentations.
The event also featured BARMM tourism stakeholders, Department of Tourism (DOT) regional offices and attached agencies, and local government units. Their participation provided buyers with access to a broader network of suppliers, emerging tourism products, and exclusive business rates.
Among the distinguished guests at the opening of the B2B session were BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua; Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism Farserina A. Mohammad; DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination, and Resource Generation Atty. Maria Victoria V. Jasmin; Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Domestic Promotions Department Manager Arnold T. Gonzales; and TPB Sales Division Chief Cesar R. Villanueva.
TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles and Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao also delivered messages encouraging stronger collaboration among tourism stakeholders.
The Regional Travel Fair seeks to go beyond promoting destinations by establishing long-term business partnerships that can generate economic opportunities for local tourism enterprises and contribute to sustainable community development throughout BARMM.
The B2B session concluded with a welcome dinner hosted by the City Government of Cotabato, providing participants with another opportunity to strengthen networks and foster collaboration.
The 18th RTF underscores the growing potential of BARMM’s tourism industry and its diverse destinations, products, and communities as part of the country’s expanding tourism landscape.
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