Western Visayas to host Central Philippines Tourism Expo 2023

Western Visayas (Region VI) will lead the hosting of the Central Philippines Tourism Expo (CPTEx) 2023 at the Iloilo Convention Center, in Mandurriao district, Iloilo City from June 16 to 18.

CPTEx is a collaborative effort of six regions in the DOT-clustered Central Philippines consisting of CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas.

“This is the first for Western Visayas and for DOT (Department of Tourism). This is one of the pet projects of the Secretary (Christina Garcia Frasco) basically for one of the goals that she mentioned about maximization of promotion and diversification of tourism products in the country,” DOT-6 regional director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez said in a press conference.

The three-day event will have six components including a parade of festivals, tourism expo, business-to-business meeting, product presentation and cultural performances, regional launching of the “Bisita, Be My Guest” program, and the post-tour/travel exchange.

“At the end of the day, because we have our business-to-business, we will have more coming in for the region, and at the same time, the network from our stakeholders’ side as well will be bigger and wider,” said Rodriguez.

The CPTEx aims to continue the recovery efforts for the tourism industry with three of the Department of Tourism’s 7-point agenda in mind – Equalization of Tourism Product, Development and Promotion, Maximization of Domestic Tourism, and Strengthening Tourism and Governance through Close Collaboration with LGUs and Stakeholders.

Seda Hotel general manager Joseph Del Rosario, who is representing the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibits) Alliance, said the gathering will serve as an opportunity to showcase what the city and province of Iloilo can provide as MICE destinations.

At least 46 booths and 32 exhibitors from 15 regions and other participating local government units (LGUs) are expected to take part in the event.