Central Visayas highlights the outdoors, culture in International Travel Festival 2022

Paragliding, kayaking, scuba diving, mountaineering, trekking, trail-riding.

The refreshing experience of the rich marine and terrestrial destinations of Central Visayas will be a key attraction at the International Travel Festival 2022 (ITF 2022) at the Ayala Center-Cebu on February 18-20, 2022.

Together with the outdoor tourism portfolio, Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) which has gained international popularity, will be an attraction at the event. Filipino martial arts practitioners are scheduled for a demonstration performance on February 18. DOT7 has strongly supported FMA under its FMA7 Program.

A diverse range of activities to engage in and sites to explore – mountains, dive spots, cultural heritage sites and other locations – will be showcased at the ITF 2022 Central Visayas Pavilion. An initiative of the Department of Tourism (DOT)– Central Visayas Office (DOT7) in support of the region’s industry players, the pavilion showcases key destinations and new circuits in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

“After two years of having been virtually home-bound, ITF 2022’s theme ‘It’s Time to Travel’ is appropriate. Indeed, it’s time to travel, experience more of our mountains, farms, and lush forests, our beaches and the sea,” says Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Regional Director of the DOT- Central Visayas.

Tamano adds that the spotlight on outdoor destinations and FMA corresponds to existing health and safety protocols and promotes a more active, natural lifestyle.

Cebu Association of Tour Operations Specialists (CATOS), Oslob Cebu Paragliding Development, KayakAsia Philippines, Inc., Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc., Habagat Outdoor Equipments, Inc., Moalboal Dive Association, Malapascua Business Association, Negros Oriental Dive Association, Zamboanguita Diving and Leisure Resort Association, Dive Mactan, Pacifica Dive, Ocean Dive, White Tip and Sea Explorers are representing Central Visayas at the event.

Spanning 160 square meters in size, the Central Visayas Pavilion will host in-festival activities, including product presentations, demonstrations, and games for guests. The local government units of the four provinces will host talks with visitors to enable a more immersive look into the new destinations. The activities will be streamed live on the Department of Tourism Central Visayas and Visit Central Visayas Facebook pages.

Aside from enjoying its outdoor destinations, visitors to Central Visayas will continue to be enriched by the heritage and cultural experience it offers. Tourism stakeholders have poured resources into strategic interventions to ensure compliance with protocols while minimizing inconvenience to guests.

The ITF is the region’s biggest travel convention. Returning for its seventh run after a two-year pandemic-induced absence, it is a promising restart for an industry struggling to recover from the challenges brought by the CoViD pandemic and Super Typhoon Odette.

Hotels, resorts, restaurants, travel agencies, booking platforms, insurance providers, and other industry stakeholders are participating in the fair. As with previous runs, there will be huge discounts on bookings, promotional offers, and innovative giveaways.

ITF 2022 is presented by MyEventology Co. The DOT-Central Visayas Office, together with the Tourism and Promotions Board Philippines are co-presentors. The event is sponsored by Turkish Airlines.

ITF 2022 Event Details:

• February 18 – 20, 2022
• Ayala Center Cebu
• Over 100 participating hotels, resorts, and travel agencies will offer great deals and huge discounts during this 3-day event.
• Also check out Department of Tourism – Central Visayas Pavilion at The Gallery of Ayala Center Cebu fronting Zara.