DOT Region 2 and TPB Successfully Host the15th Regional Travel Fair in Cagayan Valley
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan — The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 2, in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the Provincial Government of Cagayan, the City Government of Tuguegarao, and the City Government of Ilagan, successfully hosted the 15th Regional Travel Fair on 14–17 August 2025, welcoming more than 150 delegates from various parts of the country. The event served as an important platform for tourism collaboration while showcasing the cultural richness, diverse attractions, and warm hospitality of the Cagayan Valley Region.
The program commenced on 14 August with a pre-event tour that immersed delegates in the historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage of the province. Participants explored landmarks in Tuguegarao City, sampled its delicacies, and visited Iguig Calvary Hills and the Saint James the Apostle Parish Church, reflecting the province’s deeply rooted traditions. The day concluded at the Pavvurulun Afi Festival Trade Fair, which featured local products, handicrafts, delicacies, and performances that celebrated the artistry and creativity of the people of Cagayan Valley.
On 15 August, the Business-to-Business (B2B) Session was held at the Pulsar Grand Ballroom. The session opened with messages from Mr. Cesar R. Villanueva, Chief of the Sales Division, TPB, and Governor Edgar B. Agligay of Cagayan Province. During the program, the provinces of Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and the City of Ilagan presented their tourism products, cultural highlights, and culinary specialties. Discussions also centered on tourism best practices and community-based initiatives. The B2B session served as a dynamic marketplace for industry networking, enabling strategic exchanges on tour packages, promotional programs, and collaborative marketing. The day concluded with a Welcome Dinner featuring the Bambanti Festival of Isabela and cultural performances by Grupo Arpa De Lasam, which further highlighted the traditions of the region.
The fair continued on 16–17 August with the Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Session at Robinsons Place Tuguegarao, where delegates from across the country presented their key destinations, emerging travel products, and cultural experiences. The activity allowed the public to engage directly with tourism representatives, explore upcoming festivals, and avail themselves of exclusive travel promotions. The session also featured cultural performances, weaving demonstrations by the Santa Praxedes Women Weavers Association and the Indigenous Enabel Craft of Quezon, Isabela, as well as lectures on disaster preparedness, environmental stewardship, and women’s empowerment in tourism. Interactive activities such as a Travel Bingo and a Region 2 Quiz Bee added vibrancy to the event while strengthening awareness of local tourism.
To further highlight the eco-tourism and cultural assets of the region, delegates participated in post-event tours which included visits to Callao Cave and the Pinacanauan River Cruise in Peñablanca, offering them an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the province. In addition, the City Government of Ilagan hosted the Mayor’s Night Dinner led by Vice Mayor Jay Eveson Diaz, where the city’s rich traditions and community spirit were highlighted. Delegates likewise experienced the AuthentiCity of Ilagan Circuit, which featured the city’s landmarks, culinary offerings, and immersive cultural activities, affirming its position as an emerging cultural and leisure destination in Northern Luzon.
The four-day event concluded with a ceremonial turnover of hosting duties to DOT Regional Office IV-B, marked by a cultural performance from the Cagayan State University – Andrews Campus Dance Group. A Hosted Dinner by DOT Region 2 served as the culminating activity, with expressions of gratitude to partners, stakeholders, and participants who contributed to the success of the fair.
The 15th Regional Travel Fair generated more than ₱7.1 million in sales leads, demonstrating the region’s growing competitiveness in the domestic tourism market. Positioned as a “hidden gem” in Northern Luzon, Region 2 captivated delegates and visitors alike with its natural wonders, cultural heritage, and hospitality. The event not only highlighted the readiness of the region to embrace sustainable tourism growth but also reaffirmed its place as a rising eco-tourism hub poised for greater recognition in both the national and global tourism arena.#
