The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines successfully gathered tourism stakeholders, industry buyers, and the public for the 18th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), held August 14–16, 2026, at the Alnor Hotel and Convention Center here.
The three-day event generated strong business results, with its Business-to-Business (B2B) component facilitating 1,680 scheduled meetings that yielded over ₱46.9 million in sales leads and nearly ₱2.5 million in confirmed actual sales. A total of 60 sellers and 42 buyers took part across both B2B and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) segments, bringing together destinations, enterprises, and visitors.
“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.
BARMM’s rich cultural heritage took center stage alongside business opportunities. Traditional artisans showcased time-honored crafts, including Yakan weavers from Basilan—among them an eight-year-old weaver—and Maguindanaoan creators displaying the intricate Inaul fabric, a handwoven textile historically linked to royalty. The all-women-led Al-Jamelah Weaving Center also presented locally made pieces that reflect the region’s vibrant textile traditions while supporting community livelihoods.
BARMM’s six provinces—Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Tawi-tawi, and Cotabato City—presented their tourism offerings, joined by exhibitors from 12 other Philippine regions, Department of Tourism (DOT) regional offices, and local government units to expand industry networks and market access.
Distinguished guests including BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, BARMM Minister of Trade, Investments, and Tourism Farserina A. Mohammad, and DOT Undersecretary Maria Victoria V. Jasmin joined the event’s opening sessions, alongside TPB and regional tourism officials.
The fair’s B2C segment opened tourism experiences directly to the public through destination presentations, interactive activities, and exclusive offers. It also featured educational sessions covering gender equality and inclusive tourism, disaster preparedness, environmental stewardship, and tourism marketing, while the Travel Trivia Challenge drew participants with prizes including free trips.
Beyond the convention halls, familiarization tours highlighted BARMM’s unique heritage and emerging destinations, including the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque, the Bangsamoro Museum, Kutawato Cave, the People’s Palace, and the Al-Jamelah Weaving Center—giving visitors and industry partners firsthand insight into the region’s cultural, historical, and community-focused attractions.
The event was supported by the BARMM Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism, the Cotabato City Tourism Office, Philippine Airlines, and other national and local partners. Upcoming editions of the Regional Travel Fair will be hosted in the National Capital Region and the Caraga Region, continuing the program’s mission to connect communities, boost investment, and share the Philippines’ diverse tourism offerings.
