TACLOBAN CITY – For the first time, Eastern Visayas will serve as host of the Central Philippine Tourism Expo (CPTEx), a national tourism event set from June 20 to 22, aimed at unveiling the region’s lesser-known destinations and boosting its tourism footprint.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the expo will gather regional tourism offices from Central Philippines, including Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and the newly created Negros Island Region.
“This is the third installment of CPTEx, a DOT-initiated event, and the first national tourism fair to be held in Eastern Visayas,” Tiopes announced during a press conference on June 13.
Unlike commercial travel fairs that favor well-known attractions, CPTEx will highlight emerging tourism sites, such as Biliran’s mountaineering trails and Leyte’s centuries-old churches.
“We have many beautiful places that are not yet known because they lack exposure. This expo will give them the platform to be discovered,” she added.
The event, which will be held at the Robinson’s shopping mall this city, is expected to draw around 200 delegates and hundreds of visitors, including tour operators, local businesses, and domestic travelers.
While San Juanico Bridge—one of the region’s main landmarks—remains under restricted access due to structural issues, Tiopes assured that light vehicles can still cross and that tourism activity will not be significantly affected.
In 2024, Eastern Visayas welcomed over 1.6 million tourists. Organizers hope this year’s expo will further unlock the region’s vast tourism potential.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
