The Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) is the biggest government-organized travel trade event in the country.
This year, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may have caused significant challenges for the tourism industry but this only opened an opportunity to harness the digital platform. For the first time, TPB will be hosting the PHITEX 2021 Virtual Edition. This online travel trade show allows tourism stakeholders from all over the world to explore new opportunities and markets as well as update global buyers with the latest Philippine tourism offerings in one virtual e-conference environment.
PHITEX 2021 Virtual Edition is open to DOT-accredited suppliers of Philippine tourism products and services and TPB members from the following sectors:
- Airlines
- Destination Management Companies
- Hotels & Resorts
- Incentive Tour Operators and Suppliers
- Travel Agencies/Tour Operators
Participation is on a first-come, first-served Pre-registration basis.
- Below are the Seller Entitlements:
- Access to PHITEX Virtual Platform which includes pre-scheduled appointments, speed networking, webinars and workshops.
- Participation in Post-tours from September 25-27, 2021 for one delegate per company.
- Amenities or privileges extended for one delegate (e.g. economy airline tickets, accommodation, meals, tours and transportation on specified routes)
- Seller delegates kit
Here are the key features of the virtual platform:
1. Travel Exchange (TRAVEX)
Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), an exclusive business-to-business appointment meeting between Philippine sellers and foreign buyers, is now happening virtually. This online market space is customized to feature each companies’ travel and tourism product/service through high definition videos, digital product collaterals and one-on-one chat rooms for a more focused and effective networking with prospective buyers.
2. Webinars
The Webinar Series will be featuring topics of great relevance in today’s world hit by a global pandemic. Tourism industry experts will share their insights to provide support and guidance on topics such as effective marketing strategies during crises, embracing the power of technology, green destinations, and principles in developing sustainable community-based tourism.
3. Interviews
This year’s virtual PHITEX 2021 brings together local and international key tourism stakeholders who steer the path for transformation in the tourism industry. These interview sessions will put at the forefront recovery strategies, ensure tourism business continuity in the new normal and place emphasis on the need for greater impact and strength in collaboration.
4. Roundtable Discussion
PHITEX pulled together some of the industry’s leading players for a virtual roundtable discussion focused on the issues posed by the pandemic and how stakeholders can embrace resilience and innovation. Engage in an interactive dialogue through sharing knowledge and raising your questions on topics that really matter in tourism today.
5. Philippines 360
How well do you know the Philippines? Play the game and win some prizes as we bring fun to the table with trivias and online games on the Philippine culture and arts, heritage and tradition, gastronomy as well as quizzes on topics discussed during the webinars, speeches and talks during the event.
6. Videos on Demand
Replay key moments long after the event through Videos-on-Demand which covers various content such as tourism marketing videos, snippets of past TPB events, links to film tourism with English subtitles, cooking demos, familiarization trip videos and more.
7. Virtual Tours
Manila, known as the Pearl of the Orient, has the oldest university in Asia, the world’s oldest Chinatown, and the historic Walled City of Intramuros. Amid the signs of rapid urbanization, how does the Philippines’ Capital of Fun blend with modern culture now? Explore the rich and unique history of the new and old Manila through specially curated virtual tours.
TPB will shoulder all the Zambales ground arrangements for the Seller delegates who will be joining the trip (accommodation, meals, on-ground transportation, RT-PCR swab test, post-tour, and insurance.
TPB will also provide a chartered flight from Manila to Zambales and vice versa.