CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, PAMPANGA — The North is coming to Clark, and it's bringing its creativity with it. The 5th North Luzon Travel Expo is set to take over the SMX Convention Center Clark in the Clark Freeport Zone from November 20 to 22, 2026, organized by the Department of Tourism – Region III. Under the theme "North Luzon Unbound: Celebrating Creativity, Empowering Communities," this year's expo shines a spotlight on Creative Tourism—the role of creativity, culture, local identity, and innovation in building meaningful travel experiences. And admission is free for the public across all three days.
What to Expect
The expo is designed as a gateway to the best of Northern Philippines, featuring exclusive travel deals and discounted domestic tour packages, exhibits by MSMEs showcasing local products and delicacies, interactive displays from regional LGUs and DOT regional offices, B2B networking sessions for tour operators, travel agencies, and hospitality stakeholders, and cultural showcases including the Hibla ng Lahi Fashion Show, where regional textiles are reimagined by local designers . Organized by DOT-III under Director Richard Daenos in partnership with the Alliance of Travel and Tour Agencies of Pampanga and the Central Luzon Association of Independent Tour Operators, with DOT Region I, Region II, and the Cordillera Administrative Region as co-hosts, the expo is a one-stop shop for travelers planning their next adventure and for businesses looking to forge partnerships across the North.
The PAMANA Program: PHP 1.5 Million to Honor Culture Bearers
In a related development, DOT-III has partnered with Hann Foundation Inc., Hann Philippines Inc., and Iconopixel Multimedia Production for a PHP 1.5-million project to recognize and support Central Luzon's culture bearers . The PAMANA: Parangal sa Manlilikhang Natatangi ng Gitnang Luzon program honors individuals whose knowledge, artistry, traditions, and cultural practices contribute to the region's intangible cultural heritage. Under a Memorandum of Agreement signed on October 4, 2026, HFI committed the funding for the 2026 PAMANA program, which will run for one year and cover three major components: marketing communications and project management, knowledge transfer and exhibitions, and the PAMANA recognition ceremony . The initiative also seeks to ensure that traditional knowledge and cultural practices are passed on to younger generations through mentorship, community-based workshops, and direct engagement with recognized culture bearers. Hosting the NLTE is a major win for Clark and Pampanga, positioning the region as a premier destination for tourism and trade, attracting visitors and investors from across the country, and showcasing the best of what Central Luzon has to offer. For local businesses, it's a chance to shine on a bigger stage. For travelers, it's an opportunity to discover something new. And for culture bearers, the PAMANA program ensures that the traditions that make the North unique are not just celebrated—but sustained.
