CEBU, Philippines: Asean’s flagship travel trade exchange, Travex 2026, opened in Cebu on Wednesday (Jan 28), bringing together hundreds of international buyers and exhibitors to expand market access and spur cross-border travel growth.
In a statement, the Asean Committee on Media Affairs and Strategic Communications said the three-day event has drawn 271 buyers from 50 countries, along with 124 sellers and 222 exhibitors, at the newly purpose-built Mactan Expo Centre in Lapu-Lapu City here.
It brings together tourism enterprises, tour operators, destination marketers and buyers from across Asean, including the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar and the bloc’s newest member, Timor-Leste.
Philippines Department of Tourism Secretary, Christina Garcia Frasco, led the opening ceremony. Those who were present include Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, Asean Tourism Association President Eddy Krismeidi, Tourism Promotions Board chief operating officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, as well as representatives from Asean member states, local officials and other dignitaries.
Frasco said Travex showcases the diversity and maturity of Asean’s tourism offerings.
"It is a platform that brings together not only destinations and products but also aspirations, partnerships and shared responsibility for the future of tourism in our region,” she said.
Travex is more than a business exchange as it aims to generate tangible outcomes, lasting collaborations and a stronger Asean tourism community, she added. - Bernama
