BUTUAN CITY — Butuan City and the Department of Tourism-Caraga captured the attention of travelers and tourism industry stakeholders during the 37th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) 2026, held from September 4 to 6 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. On Day 2 of the country’s longest-running travel fair, the Caraga Region booth attracted visitors eager to discover the cultural heritage, local experiences, and natural attractions waiting in Butuan and other destinations across the region. Carrying the theme “Nurturing the NextGen Tourism,” the three-day event provided local governments and tourism stakeholders with an important venue to promote their destinations, connect with the travel industry, and establish partnerships that could help generate tourism growth and economic opportunities.
Bringing Butuan’s Heritage and Caraga’s Wonders to Life
The Caraga Region booth offered visitors an interactive introduction to the area’s diverse tourism offerings. Designed and built by the Department of Tourism-Caraga, the booth featured an open and welcoming setup equipped with an LED wall, interactive touchscreen televisions, product displays, and a photobooth. Guests were introduced to Butuan’s rich historical and cultural heritage, including its ancient Balangay boats and significant historic sites. The showcase also highlighted some of Caraga’s most recognizable natural destinations, from the beaches of Siargao and the deep waters of Lake Mainit to the verdant landscapes of Agusan del Sur. Cultural performances, regional presentations, and opportunities to discover local products further enriched the experience. By combining technology, culture, and local products, the booth gave visitors a closer look at what makes Caraga a destination worth exploring.
Turning Tourism Exposure Into Economic Opportunities
Butuan’s participation in PTM 2026 offers more than national exposure. The travel fair provides the city and the wider Caraga Region with an opportunity to connect directly with potential visitors while building relationships with key players in the tourism industry. Previous benchmark editions of the Philippine Travel Mart have attracted as many as 53,600 attendees and generated around PHP 240 million in on-site sales, demonstrating the potential economic impact of the event. Through tourism packages, destination promotions, and special offers, participating destinations can encourage travelers to discover experiences beyond the country’s traditional tourism hubs. The event also creates opportunities for local tourism stakeholders to establish connections with tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and other industry partners. These relationships can contribute to more accessible travel options and stronger tourism packages for visitors planning trips to Caraga.
Showcasing Caraga as a Destination for the Next Generation
This year’s PTM, anchored on the “Discover Your Philippines” campaign, encourages Filipinos to explore destinations within the country. For Caraga, the campaign provides an opportunity to introduce more travelers to its combination of cultural heritage, natural attractions, local products, and community-based experiences. A stronger tourism industry can create employment, generate opportunities for local businesses, and provide additional income for communities. At the same time, tourism spending can contribute to efforts to preserve the region’s cultural traditions and natural resources. Through its presence at PTM 2026, Butuan City and the Caraga Region are positioning themselves not simply as destinations to visit, but as places where heritage, nature, culture, and local enterprise come together. The showcase reflects the region’s continuing participation in building a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Philippine tourism industry.
