BARMM showcases culture, heritage, tourist destinations in PH travel mart
TOURISM • 10:45 AM Sat Aug 31, 2019
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By:
Edwin O. Fernandez
Bangsamoro Pavillion is the most colorful in PH Travel Mart as shown above images. (Contributed)
COTABATO CITY (Aug. 31) – The Bangsamoro government is making its presence felt in the tourism industry as it participated in the 30th Philippine Travel Mart at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City from August 30 to September 1.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is among the country’s vibrant tourist destinations with its rich culture, heritage, colorful tradition, rich marine resources, among others.
These are showcased in the Bangsamoro Pavilion of the Travel Mart venue.
The pavilion was designed by the BARMM's Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (MTIT). It features the unique products, traditional music, and cultural costumes and dances that can only be found in the provinces of the BARMM.
BARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanoa del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, the cities of Cotabato, Marawi, Lamitan and the 63 villages of North Cotabato.
During the opening day of the activity, Shalimar Candao, MTIT tourism department head, said the BARMM is not only rich in tourist destinations but also in culture.
"We are showcasing to the world our rich culture and heritage of five BARMM provinces and cities,” Candao said in a statement sent to journalists here.
Candao also said the BARMM expo offers tour packages that would gauge the BARMM's successful participation in the expo. There are booths from which visitors can buy food and non-food products that are unique to the region.
The BARMM will also host a cultural presentation on the last day of the expo.
Organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa),the Philippine Travel Mart is an annual activity aims to promote and develop domestic and inbound tourism.
This year's Travel Mart is packed with over 250 exhibitors from the different regions, hotels/resorts, airlines, theme parks, and travel agencies.
Carrying the theme, “Fostering Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism,” the Philtoa supports environmental protection by advocating the use of the electronic boards rather than non-biodegradable materials in its marketing collaterals.
The Travel Mart will culminate on Sunday, September 1, 2019 with the announcement of the winners.