19th Travel Expo 2012!

I had never been to a travel expo before and this year I really wanted to see what could it offer to the public whose feet likes to wander and explore the world beyond their own. Unfortunately, I just had a free time to go here on their last day and I don't know what to expect. Travel expo would definitely be a hit in our country. The Philippines, blessed with so many islands to explore and beaches to discover and for being the top ASEAN country which had the most number of holidays, locals and even foreigners would have more time to relax and travel.

The Travel Expo this year was held at the SMX Convention Center and because of its numerous support from Department of Tourism, different travel agencies, tourism departments of other countries, hotels, resorts, airlines and the public, they've rented all the 3 ground halls of SMX. There's a minimum entrance fee of 50 pesos.

Since I was coming from the SM Mall of Asia bridge connecting to SMX, I entered the rightmost door of the Hall 3. The exhibit of the country of Macau already welcomed me with a replica of the Ruins of St. Paul's, complete with people wearing costumes.

Beside the Macau exhibit was Japan. Even though I like going to Japan in the future, it wasn't in my list yet since its expensive to go there.

I suddenly missed Thailand after seeing their exhibit, being there last October 2010, there's definitely more to see and explore in Thailand. It's a beautiful country and their people too. It's like Manila with same weather but with one hour delayed time plus their money equivalent was just near our peso value. 

This is their version of 'cabaret' or like our very own The Amazing Show! I know the word 'cabaret' seems different from our perception but its really a wholesome cultural show at their country.

Malaysia showcased their cultural dance and their famous landmark, the Petronas Twin Towers. I want to go here too but not as sooner as I wanted to go to Hong Kong, just because of Disneyland!

India won't be left behind from their other neighboring countries showcasing what could they offer for their tourists. India absolutely had their own beauty from their landscapes, culture, history and religion.

This 19th Travel Expo was sponsored by Philippine Airlines. I wonder why isn't Airphil Express in here too?

Of course, the low cost airlines wouldn't be absent for this event. Cebu Pacific and Zest Air also had their own set of great deals only bookable within this expo but don't worry if you didn't had time to wait for their long queues because they also had their seat sales all year round. Patience is really a virtue!

Other small low cost airlines were here too like Seair, which has a promo during that day to Batanes for only 6,000++ pesos all-in! Tiger Airways, which was based in Clark had its awesome deals too.

Some of the big names from the airline industry like Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Emirates.

Since the world is made up of 80% of water travelling by water is a must specially for those countries whose borders weren't land-locked. Travelling via cruise ships were also up for grabs for those who want to experience visiting 3 or more countries.

Most of the participating countries at the Travel Expo were from Asia specifically Macau, China, Japan, Malaysia, India, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore because of its more or less 3 hour travel time to and from the Philippines. Turkey, Angola and South Africa had their exhibit too. Although travel agencies also had promos for Guam, Hawaii, Nepal, Vietnam and pilgrimages to the Holy Land.

Local destinations like Boracay, Bohol, Vigan, Palawan, Cebu and Davao were also promoted by the Department of Tourism as well as the other travel agencies.

Even though I didn't bought anything from the featured promos from different travel agencies and airlines, I really enjoyed staying there for three hours just roaming around and feasting with all the promos and get all the fliers that I could have. I was just not really prepared for this event but I will look forward to its 20th Travel Expo next year! c",)