The 33rd PTAA Travel Tour Expo opened today at the SMX Convention Center. The three‑day event runs from February 6 to 8, 2026. It is the Philippines’ largest travel exhibition. More than a thousand visitors filled the hall on opening day. They came for travel deals, inspiration and to support the tourism industry’s recovery.

PTAA President Jaison P. Yang took the stage to address the crowd. He spoke about the power of travel and the need to love the Philippines first. The full speech was recorded and is reproduced below.

“Ladies and gentlemen, friends in travel, welcome to the 33rd PTAA Travel Tour Expo. The past few days have been very challenging for our tourism industry. We’ve been the talk of the town, and not always for the right reasons—but we remain optimistic that this expo will help break the ice, shift the narrative, and reignite credence in our industry.

Surprise quiz! Aside from the great travel deals at the PTAA Travel Tour Expo, what else does the expo offer our visitors? It gives them a fresh perspective on travel — inspiring new ideas, opening new destinations, and redefining how they experience the Philippines and the world.

Today, I invite you to experience this expo with open minds and open hearts. Let it broaden your horizons, challenge familiar assumptions, and offer fresh perspectives. Explore boldly—and return home not just with memories, but with deeper understanding and renewed inspiration.

Gain a new perspective about the world, but never forget the Philippines. Learn from others without losing who we are. Never compare our country to another; every nation has its own story, its own rhythm, its own strengths.

Mt. Fuji is beautiful—majestic and iconic. But let us never forget, and be proud of, our own Mayon Volcano, perfect in her form and powerful in her presence. Our wonders are worthy of equal awe.

When you visit abroad, be inspired. It’s okay to feel a little healthy jealousy—that spark that pushes us to improve. But never forget to tell other nations about the beauty of the Philippines. When we travel, we carry more than suitcases; we carry our stories. This is your chance to promote our country—be an ambassador of Philippine tourism while enjoying and learning from the success of other countries.

Because when we speak well of our home, we attract more visitors. And more visitors mean more opportunities and more work for our kababayan—from tour guides and drivers to artisans, farmers, and small business owners. Your words can open doors for families across our islands.

We may not be perfect like some imagine other countries to be. But we have our own unmistakable brand—something no one else can copy. Have you noticed how the Filipino smile is so contagious? That warmth, that welcome—that’s unbeatable. It’s our signature, our competitive edge, our heart.

Tourism is collaboration. It is everyone’s work—government, industry, business communities, and every traveler who cares. If we bash our own country, we don’t just bruise our pride; we deprive our kababayan of livelihoods and opportunities that tourism creates. Let’s choose constructive honesty over hopeless criticism, unity over division, action over apathy.

That’s why the PTAA Travel Tour Expo matters. It lets you explore the world—and at the same time, it teaches you to love your own country more deeply. Here, you can see what’s possible abroad and imagine what’s achievable at home. Here, you can connect, learn, and commit to becoming better ambassadors of the Philippines, a better Filipino.

So walk these halls with curiosity. Gather ideas, build friendships, and dream bigger. Then, carry those dreams back to our shores—where Mayon shines, where our smiles welcome, and where the world is always invited to feel at home.

Love the Philippines, Love the world! Maraming salamat po. Mabuhay, and have fun at the 33rd PTAA Travel Tour Expo!”

The expo features dozens of travel agencies. It offers shipping tours, cruise packages and heavy discounts. Visitors can meet local artisans and learn about new destinations. Organizers say the event will boost tourism jobs and showcase Filipino hospitality.

The PTAA hopes the expo will shift the narrative for Philippine tourism. It aims to inspire more Filipinos to travel abroad and return home with fresh ideas. It also urges them to become ambassadors for the country.

Travel lovers can still attend the expo until February 8. Tickets are sold at the venue and online. The event promises new deals, networking opportunities and a celebration of the Philippines’ unique charm.

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