DoT, TPB sell Phl destinations at London travel meet

The Philippines will be among the 184 countries to grace this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) in London, in a bid to strengthen its global tourism presence and entice more foreign tourists to visit the country’s spectacular destinations.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Tourism Promotions Board chief operating officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles will spearhead the country’s delegation at the WTM, which is expected to be attended by 43,000 global tourism enthusiasts and stakeholders.

To be held from 4 to 6 November, the WTM will be in Excel London, the international exhibition and convention center in the Custom House area of Newham, East London. Located in the heart of London’s Royal Docks, Excel London is designed to be the world’s leading event destination.

Both Frasco and Nograles will present the country’s latest tourism developments and unique travel experiences.

Celebrating the Filipino spirit

“Our participation in the World Travel Market London is a celebration of the Filipino spirit — creative, resilient, and full of heart. With our 27 exhibitors representing the best of our destinations, experiences, culture, and hospitality, we bring to the world the story of a nation that continues to rise with purpose and pride. In line with the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we stand ready to forge partnerships that will open doors of opportunity for our tourism stakeholders, uplift communities, and allow the country to rise as a tourism powerhouse in Asia,” said the DoT secretary.

The Philippine delegation to the annual tourism event will also be joined by 27 tourism stakeholders from the private sector, including destination management companies, tour operators, and accommodation providers.

The list includes Annset Holidays, Inc., Asia Venture Philippines, Biyaheko.PH, Blue Horizons Travel & Tours, The Baron Travel Corporation, Boracay Adventures Travel N Tours, CTPH Tour, Intas Destination Management Inc., Uni Orient, MyTrips Travel and Tours, Quasar Travel & Tours, Rajah Tours Philippines Inc., Sharp Travel Service, Southeast Travel Corporation, Travelite and Tours Corporation, T.R.I.P.S. Travel, Khiri Travel Philippines, Haranah Tours Corporation, Amorita Resort, El Nido Resorts, Bohol Beach Club, The Bellevue Resort, Discovery Shores Boracay, The Funny Lion, Marriott International and Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.

UK Travel Trends

As of October, this year, the United Kingdom remains one of the Philippines’ top source markets, currently ranking eighth with a recorded 126,301 visitor arrivals.

According to Market Research Future, the UK Travel and Tourism Market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.84 percent from 2024 to 2035, driven by digital innovation, sustainability priorities, and increasingly personalized travel experiences.