As the ATF 2026 host, the Philippines intends to show Cebu’s readiness to facilitate meaningful regional tourism exchanges, while strengthening connections across the ASEAN community, in line with the theme, “Navigating Our Tourism Future, Together”.
ASEAN – the Association of South East Asian Nations – has 11 member states, including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
“TRAVEX plays an important role in strengthening partnerships and driving growth,” said Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, COO of Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB).
“Hosting this event is a responsibility we value highly, and we are committed to creating a dynamic platform that highlights the depth, connectivity and momentum of tourism across ASEAN.”
TRAVEX will be held at the newly built Mactan Expo Center (MEC) in Mactan Newtown, Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan island. The ATF meetings among Southeast Asian NTOs and dialogue partners will take place in Cebu City at NUSTAR Convention Center, the largest venue outside metro Manila.
According to the organisers, delegates can expect “comprehensive insights into new tourism developments, emerging destinations and strategic initiatives shaping the future of travel across Southeast Asia”.
Besides regional buyers, others attending TRAVEX are from long-haul markets, including Australia. There will be 32 one-to-one business meetings each for exhibitors and buyers across the three days.
Timor-Leste, ASEAN’s 11th and newest member, will make its debut at TRAVEX.
Five pre-show tours and post-show tours will allow hosted delegates “to explore the Philippines’ wealth of destinations – from pristine beaches and island resorts to vibrant cultural and heritage sites”, said the TPB.
Post-show tour destinations include Manila, Bohol, Davao and Palawan.
TRAVEX delegates and exhibitors have a wide choice of hotels on Mactan, ranging from local brands to Asian chains like Shangri-La and Dusit Thani and global players such as Accor’s Mövenpick and Mercure and Marriott’s Sheraton.
The Mercure property was rebranded in December from Belmont Hotel Mactan. It is the closest to MEC, and with the adjacent Savoy Hotel, part of the Mactan Newtown mega-development.
