Pasay City (August 30, 2019)—The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is making its mark as a vibrant tourist destination in the 30th Philippine Travel Mart being held at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City from August 30 to September 1.
The Bangsamoro region’s rich culture, heritage, and tradition are showcased in the Bangsamoro Pavilion of the said event.
The pavilion was designed by the BARMM’s Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (MTIT). It features the unique products, traditional musics, and cultural costumes and dances that can only be found in the provinces of the BARMM.
During the opening day of the activity, Shalimar Candao,MTIT’s head of tourism department, said the BARMM is not only rich in tourist destinations but also in culture.
“Pinapakita natin kung gaano kayaman ang ating kultura. Pinagsama-sama natin sa pavilion na ito ang iba’t ibang kultura sa limang probinsya ng BARMM,” she said.
Candao also said the BARMM expo offers tour packages that would gauge the BARMM’s successful participation in the expo. There are booths from which visitors can buy food and non-food products that are unique to the region.
The BARMM will also host a cultural presentation on the last day of the expo.
Meanwhile, Senator Cynthia Villar, who chairs the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resouces, explained the importance of environmental protection in tourism promotion.
“Tourism and biodivesity should go hand in hand. Sustainable tourism contributes to both economic growth and to the conservation of biodivesity,” Villar said.
The Philippine Travel Mart is an annual activity organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), which aims to promote and develop domestic and inbound tourism.
This year’s Travel Mart is packed with over 250 exhibitors from the different regions, hotels/resorts, airlines, theme parks, and travel agencies.
Carrying the theme, “Fostering Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism,” the PHILTOA supports environmental protection by advocating the use of the electronic boards rather than non-biodegradable materials in its marketing collaterals. The Travel Mart will culminate on Sunday, September 1, 2019 with the announcement of the winners. (###)
