The Philippines’ participation in Tourism Expo Japan (TEJ) 2023 resulted in remarkable negotiated sales leads totaling approximately PHP297,833,650.00 over its four-day duration from October 26 to 29, 2023, at INTEX Osaka, Japan.
Facilitated by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) Osaka, the nation’s delegation at TEJ maintained a robust presence at Japan’s largest and most prestigious travel event. It served as a platform for Philippine travel and tour suppliers to connect with Japanese counterparts and engage with stakeholders and consumers globally.
Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Chief Operating Officer of TPB Philippines, emphasized the commitment to annual participation in Tourism Expo Japan as a testament to the Philippines’ appreciation for its partnership with the Japanese travel trade industry. Nograles highlighted the impressive number of negotiated sales leads from this year’s participation, attributing it to the tangible outcomes of promotional efforts and developments to position Japan as one of the Philippines’ leading source markets.
Organized by the Japan Travel and Tourism Association (JTTA), Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), and Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the event attracted over 148,000 visitors and saw the participation of 70 countries/regions, including the Philippines, with 1,275 companies and organizations.
Under the theme “Open the Door to the Future,” the expo showcased Japan’s diverse tourism offerings in the post-pandemic era. The event commenced with business-to-business meetings to strengthen partnerships within the tourism industry, officially opening on October 28 for visitors to explore and experience tourism products from various suppliers.
The Philippine booth highlighted destinations such as Cebu, Palawan, Batangas, Bohol, Boracay, and Manila, showcasing their cultural, adventure, wellness, and gastronomy offerings.
The country’s delegation included 10 stakeholders: Attic Tours Phils., Inc., Bohol Beach Club, Cebu Pacific Air, Earth Explorers Travel and Tours, Hotel 101 Group, Philippine Airlines Inc., Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), The Bellevue Hotels & Resorts, and The Manila Hotel. Kaulayaw Coffee and Destileria Limtuaco Inc. were also present at the Philippine pavilion, highlighting the country’s coffee and liquor offerings.