Palawan Travel and Trade Expo kicks off in 2025
PALAWAN, dubbed “one of the best islands in the world” by various travel publications, is making a bid to claim the top spot with the launch of the Palawan: World’s Best Island Travel and Trade Expo 2025.
The Palawan dedicated travel expo is set to take place from February 5 to 7, 2025, at the Glorietta Mall Activity Center in Makati City.
It will showcase travel packages, eco-tourism initiatives, and cultural highlights from over 80 exhibitors. Designed to attract domestic tourists, the expo aims to promote Palawan’s unique offerings and elevate its status as a premier travel destination.
“Whatever you want outside of the Philippines is already here in Palawan. There’s so much diversity of activities here in Palawan,” Rey Felix C. Rafols, president of the Palawan Tourism Council (PTC) said in mixed English and Filipino at a news briefing on Tuesday.
The Palawan expo will feature exclusive travel deals at its booths, Mr. Rafols said, offering unique discounts on flights, accommodations, tours, and adventure packages — opportunities that can’t be found elsewhere.
Mr. Rafols also said that the expo is dedicated to Palawan-based business owners, particularly the “small players,” providing them with a platform to showcase their products. This event will serve as a trade show and an industry networking opportunity, allowing local entrepreneurs to connect and gain visibility.
“For next year, we will be the stars — you will be the stars. We are going to present the best of the best of Palawan. We are going to showcase the heart, beauty, and history of Palawan,” Mr. Rafols further said.
The expo will also highlight Palawan’s United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites, including Tubbataha Reefs and the Puerto Princesa Underground River, along with lesser-known destinations that also deserve UNESCO recognition, such as the Tabon Caves.
Palawan is also expanding its offerings to include Sports Tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and cruise tourism, while remaining committed to sustainable practices. PTC emphasized that these initiatives will also be featured at the upcoming expo.
An estimated one million visitors are expected over the course of the three-day event, which aims to boost the relatively low 17% share of domestic tourism in Palawan, Mr. Rafols said. — Edg Adrian A. Eva
