Photo by RUDY LIWANAG

While traveling remains to be a perk for the wealthy few, a huge number of Filipinos manage to make ends meet and still indulge in a week’s worth of travel bliss. However, owing to the high cost of airfares and accommodations in the country, domestic travel destinations have become more of an alternative than a choice.

What some people don’t know is there’s a myriad of places, sights, and activities in the Philippines that are yet to be explored – island hopping in Palawan, nature tripping in Batad, even a ferry cruise on the Pasig River.

These are among the “beyond the usual” tours and travel packages offered at the forthcoming 20th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM), the largest gathering of major players in the travel industry and corporate and private sectors

“We are targeting a total of eight million tourist traffic in our top destinations for this year, and the PTM provides the Department of Tourism (DoT) with two major factors to reach that target: the Philippine Travel Exchange, wherein they host 200 foreign tour operators to maintain our presence in the international market and the Byahe Sale ng Bayan, where they offer special discounts on travel destinations, tour packages, and air fares,” said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the highlights of this year’s PTM will include the Bituin ng Kasuotang Filipino Pageant, the Best Cultural Presentation Competition, Tourism Quiz Bee, pocket seminars by hospitality industry experts and tour and travel packages at special rates and deferred payment schemes at the three-day travel trade show’s Grand Vacation “Sale ng Bayan.”

“The PTM is an indispensable event to open up new destinations for the domestic market. We are the only travel mart in the Philippines that promotes domestic and inbound travel packages,” said Margie Munsayac, PTM secretary general.

For less than P1, 000 per person, travel enthusiasts can look forward to a vacation in the Philippines’ top destinations like Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol and Davao. These packages consist of three-day/two-night accommodations, round-trip domestic airfares, round trip airport transfers, breakfasts, and PTM’s beyond the usual activities.

The main proponent behind the PTM is the Philippine Tour Operators Association, in cooperation with the DoT, PAGCOR and Philippine Airlines.

Visit the 20th Philippine Travel Mart at the SM Megatrade Halls from September 4 to 6. For more information log on to www.philtravelmart.com