Thirty-three exhibitors from across the country offered discounted airfare, hotel accommodations, tour packages, and exclusive vacation perks during the World Travel Expo Davao 2026 at Ayala Malls Abreeza.
The three-day travel expo, which officially opened on Thursday, May 15, gathers hotels, resorts, airlines, tour operators, banks, tourism associations, and allied services from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in a bid to make travel more affordable and accessible to the public.
Now marking its 10th anniversary nationwide and fourth year in Davao City, the event features promo fares, bundled vacation deals, accommodation discounts, and travel incentives aimed at encouraging more Filipinos to explore destinations across the country and abroad.
Miles Caballero, managing director of the World Travel Expo, said Davao remains an important venue for the event because of its growing tourism market and welcoming community.
“It is always special to be here in Davao. A city known not only for its beauty and progress, but also for its warmth, resilience, and strong sense of community,” Caballero said during the opening program.
Caballero emphasized that travel has become increasingly valuable for people coping with stress and the pressures of daily life.
“Mao siguro importante kaayo ang travel karon. Usahay, kinahanglan lang gyud nato ug pahulay. Panahon para makaginhawa, makakonek pag-usab sa atong pamilya ug higala, ug makapahinumdom sa atoang kaugalingon nga naa pay daghang maayong butang nga pwede nato ma-experience,” she added.
According to Caballero, the expo is not only about promoting destinations and offering discounts but also about encouraging people to reconnect through travel and meaningful experiences.
“And this is why the World Travel Expo exists. Not just to promote destinations or offer travel deals, but to bring people together and remind them that there is still a world to explore, memories to create, and experiences worth living for,” she said.
Meanwhile, Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 Director Tanya Rabat-Tan underscored the importance of booking with trusted and accredited tourism stakeholders.
“For a full decade, this expo has been a vital platform. It connects industry leaders and accelerates regional tourism growth,” Tan said.
She reminded travelers that face-to-face transactions with accredited exhibitors help ensure safe and scam-free bookings.
“As we look forward to future vacations, this event reminds us of a critical truth. Booking face-to-face with accredited travel partners ensures your dream vacation stays safe, secure, and entirely scam-free,” she added.
Tan also highlighted Davao City’s strategic role as the tourism hub of the region.
“Davao is far more than just a convenient location. It is a place of profound beauty, deep cultural richness, and incredibly diverse experiences,” she said.
She added that Davao City serves as the primary gateway to island destinations and tourism attractions across the five provinces of the Davao Region.
The World Travel Expo Davao 2026 will run throughout the weekend.
