North Luzon Travel Expo set to enliven Cordillera’s tourism scene
NORTH LUZON TRAVEL EXPO. DOT-CAR regional director Jovita A. Ganongan (at right) announces the upcoming paramount gathering of tourism stakeholders in North Luzon, which is scheduled to unfold from November 25th to 27th, 2023, at the CAP Convention Center in Camp John Hay, Baguio City. (Photos obtained from the official social media page of the Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region)
BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is gearing up to host the much-anticipated second edition of the North Luzon Travel Expo (NLTE) from November 25th to 27th, 2023.
The prestigious event will unfold at the CAP Convention Center of Camp John Hay in Baguio City, promising an extravaganza of tourism spectacles and industry insights.
NLTE stands as the foremost convergence of tourism stalwarts in North Luzon, rallying behind the revival of the local tourism sphere.
It seeks to fortify the tourism value chain by unifying both existing and novel domestic tourism offerings, destinations, and services across the North Luzon region.
The expo’s itinerary boasts a vibrant lineup of events set to exhilarate industry players, including a tourism expo, invigorating B2B meetings, the captivating Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Fashion Parade, an immersive Art in the Park showcase, and soul-stirring music performances.
Daily product presentations are scheduled, adding depth and engagement to the event.
Central to NLTE’s essence is the Familiarization Tour, beckoning participants on a captivating journey through the North Luzon Interregional Circuit.
This tour meticulously showcases key destinations spanning Baguio City and Benguet in the Cordilleras to Naguilian, San Fernando, Bauang, San Juan, and Luna in La Union, Region I.
Its aim is to offer firsthand experiences and insights into the region’s myriad attractions, cultural heritage, and burgeoning travel infrastructure.
“We are positioning North Luzon as a premier destination, leveraging our competitive edge. It’s imperative that we capitalize on this opportunity,” DOT-CAR regional director Jovita A. Ganongan emphasized during the media briefing over the weekend.
NLTE, previously known as the North Luzon Travel Fair (NLTF), was a brainchild launched by the Department of Tourism Regional Offices I, II, III, and CAR.
It was a strategic response to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco’s Listening Tours, intended to spur the tourism industry’s recovery.
Last year’s NLTF, themed “Weaving Our Way to Recovery,” held at the SMX Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga, was a resounding success.
It culminated in a ceremonial turnover, officially passing on the hosting rights from DOT-Region III to DOT-CAR, setting a precedent for collaborative expositions.
The goals of NLTE are ambitious and comprehensive, aiming to uplift local tourism, foster interregional relationships, drive bookings, and foster business opportunities while spotlighting the rich heritage of North Luzon’s indigenous fabrics and cultural traditions.
The event’s grand finale on Day 3 will be marked by the announcement of winners from the 2023 Search for the Best Cordillera Tourism Village, accompanied by a distinguished awarding ceremony.
Furthermore, distinctions will be awarded to recognize the standout booth and exceptional product presentation of the event.
This will be succeeded by the symbolic passing of responsibilities to the forthcoming host, DOT-Region I.
NLTE 2023 is poised to be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for the resurgence of North Luzon’s tourism landscape, poised to leave an indelible mark on the region’s cultural tapestry and economic resurgence. # Merriam del Rosario //FNS
