The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines successfully brought together tourism stakeholders, buyers, and consumers during the 18th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from August 14-16, 2026, at the Alnor Hotel and Convention Center in Cotabato City.
The RTF BARMM conducted 1,680 business appointments during its Business-to-Business (B2B) component, generating more than Php 46.9 million in sales leads and almost Php 2.5 million in actual sales. The event also gathered 60 sellers/exhibitors and 42 buyers across its B2B and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) components.
“Tourism thrives when people connect. Through the RTF, we are opening doors for destinations, empowering local businesses, and creating opportunities that translate into jobs, investments, and inclusive growth for communities,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.
Buyers and sellers connect during the Business-to-Business (B2B) component of the 18th Regional Travel Fair, held on August 14 in Cotabato City
Among the distinguished guests during the B2B Opening Session were BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, who delivered an inspirational message, and TPB Domestic Promotions Department (DPD) Manager Arnold T. Gonzales, who delivered the opening remarks. BARMM Minister of Trade, Investments, and Tourism Farserina A. Mohammad was also present at the event.
During the B2B sessions, the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Tawi-tawi, and Cotabato City showcased their destinations and products. Meanwhile, other sellers from across 12 regions in the country were present along with DOT regional offices and attached agencies, and local government units, to further strengthen networks in the industry and give buyers access to a wide network of suppliers.
Connecting Travelers and Empowering Tourism Stakeholders
Several cultural communities from BARMM showcased their crafts and products. Those who were present were Basilan weavers represented by the Yakan people, one of whom was an eight-year-old weaver; the Maguindanaoan weavers, who exhibited their Inaul, a traditional handwoven fabric that historically symbolizes royalty; and Maguindanao’s Al-Jamelah, an all-women-led weaving center, which highlighted locally woven pieces that reflect the region’s rich textile traditions.
The B2C component allowed the public to engage directly with participating tourism stakeholders through destination presentations, interactive activities, and special offers.
It also featured talks on Gender Equality and Inclusive Tourism Development, as well as Disaster Preparedness and Environmental Stewardship. As part of the RTF, the Tourism Marketing Educational Seminar or TMES provided a platform for participants to share insights, learnings, and outputs that support the development and promotion of tourism destinations.
During the B2C Sessions, inspirational messages were delivered by TPB COO Marga Nograles and Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao, while Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination, and Resource Generation Atty. Maria Victoria V. Jasmin delivered the keynote message, and Bureau of Tourism Director Marites K. Maguindra delivered a message representing the BARMM Minister of Trade, Investments, and Tourism.
DOT Regional Offices also presented their respective destinations and tourism offerings, while participating DOT attached agencies, including the Intramuros Administration (IA), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), and Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD), shared their respective programs and tourism-related initiatives with participants. The Philippine Airlines (PAL), one of the organizing partners of the RTF, also had their time on the stage.
Towards the end, the sessions featured the RTF Travel Trivia Challenge, where participants competed in exciting games for cash prizes and free trips sponsored by participating sellers.
The TPB delegation was led by Acting Head of the Marketing and Promotions Sector Teresita DL. Landan, together with DPD Manager Arnold T. Gonzales and DPD Sales Division Chief Cesar R. Villanueva.
The 18th RTF also received the support of the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism; Bureau of Tourism; Cotabato City Tourism Office; and the Cotabato City Tourism Council, whose assistance contributed to the smooth implementation of the event.
Buyers, sellers, and distinguished guests gather for a souvenir photo during the B2C Opening of the 18th Regional Travel Fair
Traveling Around BARMM
To further highlight BARMM, the RTF featured the region’s distinct tourism assets, from Islamic heritage and historical landmarks to traditional crafts, and a visit to community-based and locally rooted enterprises. Through the familiarization activities, participants were given opportunities to experience destinations and tourism products firsthand.
Among the destinations visited was the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque (The Grand Mosque) of Cotabato City, whose distinctive architecture and significance to the local Muslim community offered participants a glimpse into the region’s Islamic heritage. The tour also included a visit to the Bangsamoro Museum, where exhibitions provided a deeper understanding of the region’s people and traditions.
Members of the media and invited key opinion leaders explore Kutawato Cave as part of the 18th Regional Travel Fair familiarization activities
At the People’s Palace, participants encountered another side of Cotabato City that is grounded in civic life and the continuing development of the destination. Meanwhile, the Al-Jamelah Weaving Center brought the story closer to the hands of local artisans, whose work preserves weaving traditions while supporting livelihoods and keeping cultural knowledge alive across generations.
A female weaver from Al-Jamelah Weaving Center demonstrates traditional weaving techniques
The RTF also brought together DOT-attached agencies, tourism officials, and representatives from across the country: TPB Board Member and TIEZA Assistant Chief Operating Officer Dr. Rosanna Olgado, PCSSD Deputy Executive Director Gloriece Glen T. Do, PRA Division Head Mervin Magbuhat, and DOT Regional Directors (RD’s), including RD Catherine Agustin of the National Capital Region (NCR), RD Troy Alexander Gozum Miano of Cagayan Valley, RD Marites T. Castro of CALABARZON, RD Nelia “King” R. Arina of SOCCSKSARGEN, and RD Ivonnie Dumadag of Caraga.
The next Regional Travel Fairs will be held in the National Capital Region and the Caraga Region, continuing the initiative’s nationwide reach and providing further opportunities for tourism stakeholders to connect with markets and travelers.
