The Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) and MICECONnect 2025— two leading government-led travel trade events— generated more than PHP1 billion in confirmed sales leads, surpassing their projected target of PHP596.2 million, said the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) on Friday.
The two events, held on Sept. 10 in Pasay City, gathered 147 Philippine sellers and 114 foreign buyers from key international markets and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE)/ business events sectors.
The TPB said the events’ success affirms the Philippines’ strong position as a leading destination for travel and world-class events.
This year’s event featured three days of Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) business-to-business (B2B) sessions among Philippine sellers and global buyers, complemented by networking events within both programs.
“PHITEX + MICECONnect 2025 showcased the best of the Philippines to a global audience while forging connections that translate into real opportunities for our local stakeholders,” TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles said as quoted in a news release on Friday.
“This event reaffirms our commitment to collaboration, sustainability, and inclusivity, ensuring that tourism growth uplifts communities across the nation and contributes to the country’s economic and cultural strength,” she added.
Throughout both programs, delegates engaged in over 3,000 B2B meetings.
The country’s top inbound tourism markets were also well-represented, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam.
“Philippines is very MICE-ready. It has the facilities and amenities, and all these are ready for various MICE groups coming from different countries to have their corporate meetings and incentive travel here,” said Harry Foo, a PHITEX buyer from EVO Communications in Singapore.
Meanwhile, Terence Cardoz, a PHITEX buyer from Divine Holiday Management in India, recalled the fruitful meeting between Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the former’s visit to India.
“They’re very keen to bring Bollywood films to the Philippines. So, I came here to meet hoteliers and ground handlers who could help me bring big Bollywood film shoots to the Philippines,” he said.
Post-event tours in Cebu, Bohol, Davao, and Clark were also held to highlight the Philippines’ readiness to host international meetings and events. (PNA)
