The first International Travel Fair in Cebu
“Start dreaming and traveling!” this is what Stephanie Villahermosa, the executive project director of International Travel Fair (ITF), said during an interview.
ITF 2014 started as a dream five months ago. June and July are considered to be lean months for the travel industry. The team wanted these months to be productive and so they created ITF. Aside from that, there is also a need for an accessible travel fair for the Cebuano market.
The ITF was the first of its kind in Cebu. Such activity encourages tourism for the wanderlust while promoting the industry.
The event featured 66 exhibitors from the travel industry. There were travel agencies, hotels, resorts, airlines, visa assistance agencies, regional tourism departments, and theme parks. Most of the exhibitors were local coming from various parts of the country, like Bohol, Batanes, Palawan, Camiguin, Samar, and Mindanao.
Guests were able to get the best rates for tours and travels. Aside from that, buyers were also able to join the silent auction where trips to Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, and Hawaii were up for grabs. The proceeds of the auction will be given to Balik Balay program that helps rebuild the homes of the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.
Villahermosa said that there definitely will be a bigger ITF next year in Cebu. They're planning to include more international destinations for other travelers. The team will also be formulating other events to cater to the Mindanao market in the first quarter of 2015.
The International Travel Fair was held in Ayala Center Cebu from July 11 to July 13, 2014.