Those who love to travel here and abroad will be given a choice of tour and accommodation packages at the upcoming Cebu Travel Catalogue International (CTCI) 2024.
The CTCI 2024 is set to unveil innovative products to attract more inbound and outbound tourists.
Organized by the Cebu Travel & Tours Alliance (CTTA) in partnership with the Cebu Alliance Tour Operation Specialists Inc. (CATOS), this year’s CTCI is designed to inspire travel enthusiasts to explore new horizons.
According to Statista Research, the number of tourist arrivals in the Philippines shows signs of recovery in 2023. There were around 5.5 million tourist arrivals last year. This year, the Department of Tourism projected around 7.7 million international visitors.
While the projected recovery was only partly realized last year, CATOS president Ms. Alice Queblatin said the tourism sector expects a better performance this year.
With the changes in the dynamics of the travel sector in the country, Cebu could no longer rely on beaches as a tourist attraction, Ms. Queblatin said during a press conference announcing the event.
She recalled that in the past, tour operators offered Bohol as a day tour. In contrast, tourists stay longer in Bohol and have a shorter stay in Cebu.
With tourists staying up to 14 days in the Philippines, the tourism sector has to be innovative and offer more attractive packages.
The CTCI 2024 will offer multi-destination packages such as Cebu-Bohol-Palawan so that tourists can maximize their stay here and enjoy different attractions, Ms. Queblatin said.
While Cebu could not compete with the beach attractions in other areas in Central Visayas and Mindanao, the presence of Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) will help boost the travel industry in Cebu.
Considered among the best, if not the best airport in the country, MCIA private operator has a marketing team that helps promote Cebu as a destination.
The exhibitors will include six airlines, 21 travel agencies, 19 hotels, resorts, and leisure parks, the Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, RCBC, ECR Marketing, and Star Assists.
The CTCI 2024 will be held from April 12 to 14, 2024 at the Ayala Center Cebu. This year’s CTCI is co-presented by Philippine Airlines, Turkish Air, Newport World Resorts, the Cebu Safari & Adventure Park, and El Mar Resort.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCB) are the gold sponsors while Anjo World Theme Park, Movenpick Hotels and Resorts, Golden Sands, and Air Asia are the bronze sponsors. The activity is also in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region VII, the Cebu City Tourism Office, and venue partner Ayala Center Cebu.
The CTTA is a leading organization dedicated to the promotion of tourism and travel in the Philippines. It aims to showcase the beauty and diversity of the region, fostering global connections, and promoting sustainable travel practices.