THE vibrant hub of Northern Mindanao is set to host the highly anticipated World Travel Expo (WTE) at Centrio Ayala Mall from July 25 to 27, 2025. This gathering promises to be a pivotal event for the tourism industry, bringing together local and national stakeholders, travel enthusiasts, and industry experts under one roof.
The WTE serves as a vital platform for promoting tourism destinations, travel services and hospitality innovations. Anchored to the theme: "Discover Beauty, Explore Freely," the event will showcase the rich tourism offerings of Northern Mindanao. Moreover, Cagayan de Oro's strategic location and unique energy were praised as key drivers for the expo's expansion into the region.
"This is a significant milestone," Mildred Caballero, the event organizer and managing director of AD Asia Events Group, said.
"Northern Mindanao is full of untapped potential, and we're here to celebrate that - by bringing in exhibitors, launching travel promos, and inspiring people to explore freely," she added.
The WTE in Cagayan de Oro is expected to attract hundreds of visitors, as it features massive travel discounts and promos, local and international exhibitors, interactive zones and travel games, family-friendly exhibits and raffles, and opportunities for partnerships and collaboration.
The expo's timing and scale are poised to generate significant economic benefits for Cagayan de Oro City and the broader Northern Mindanao region. According to Caballero, with the event serving as a platform for local entrepreneurs and hospitality providers to showcase their offerings, new partnerships and business deals could happen, and elevate the region's profile on the tourism map.
"As we bring WTE in Northern Mindanao for the first time, we are incredibly proud to celebrate the region's diverdity, hospitality, and potential," Caballero said.
"This is more than a travel expo - it's a celebration of the region and its vibrant future," she added.
This is the first time Cagayan de Oro will host the travel expo, marking a turning point for Mindanao's growing role in Philippine tourism. (Jo Ann Saplad)
